GAME DAY - SEA DOGS TOUGH ONE TO ROCK CATS 3-2

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MR SPARKY AMERICA'S ON TIME ELECTRICIAN

ANTHONY RIZZO DISAPPOINTED AFTER GROUNDING OUT

OFFICIAL PORTLAND SEA DOGS GAME WRAP
With runners on the corners and two outs in the top of the seventh inning, Brandon Roberts caught most of Hadlock Field off guard. The New Britain outfielder laid down a bunt, bringing home Chris Cates with the eventual winning run, as the Rock Cats beat the Sea Dogs, 3-2.

Robert Coello retired the first two batters he faced, but ran into trouble, as Rene Tosoni drew a two-out walk in the top of the first. The next batter was Erik Lis, and he put the Rock Cats ahead, sending a two-run homer into the Sea Dogs' bullpen.


In the bottom of the fourth, Portland got one run back. Che-Hsuan Lin led off with a walk, and advanced around to third on a single by Ryan Kalish. Ray Chang grounded out to short, but the ball was hit soft enough to bring home Lin.

Two innings later, the Sea Dogs drew even. Che-Hsuan Lin was the starter of the rally once again, reaching on an infield single. Ryan Kalish walked, before Carlos Gutierrez struck out Ray Chang, and got Anthony Rizzo to ground out. Rizzo's grounder advanced the runners, allowing Jose Iglesias to drive in Lin with an infield single to deep short.

Portland's comeback took Robert Coello off of the hook. In his second professional start, Coello pitched four and two-thirds innings, allowing two runs, five hits, and two walks, while striking out four. Despite giving up the tying runs, New Britain's Carlos Gutierrez (2-3) was able to pick up the win, going six innings, allowing two runs, four hits, and two walks, while striking out six.

The tie didn't last for long, as the Rock Cats retook the lead in the top of the seventh. With one out, Allan de San Miguel walked and Chris Cates singled. Mitch Herold uncorked a wild pitch to advance the runners to second and third, but was able to get the second out, when de San Miguel was thrown out at the plate on a grounder by Ben Revere. Unfortunately, Herold wasn't out of the jam yet, as Brandon Roberts dropped down a bunt, scoring Cates with the go-ahead run. Cates' run ended up being the difference maker, giving Herold (0-1) the loss.

Joe Testa took over for Gutierrez in the bottom of the seventh, and had a solid outing, allowing just two hits in two and one-third innings, earning his sixth hold of the season. Chris Province gave up a pair of walks, but got Nate Spears to ground out to second, ending the game. Province recorded his fourth save of the season, and second against his former club.

The loss drops Portland to 23-23 on the season, marking the first time since April 24th (8-8) that the team has had a .500 record.

The Sea Dogs and Rock Cats will play game two of their four-game series on Saturday afternoon at 1:00. Ryne Miller (1-3, 5.18) will make the start for Portland, while New Britain counters with Mike McCardell (0-4, 4.56)

GAME HIGHLIGHTS COURTESY US CELLULAR SEA DOGS RADIO NETWORK