RYAN KALISH GOES 2 - 4 IN MLB DEBUT. #redsox #portlandseadogs

KALISH AT HADLOCK EARLIER THIS SEASON ON MLB UNI DAY (JEFF SCHOOLS PHOTO)

Congratulations to one of the true good guys Ryan Kalish for his MLB debut in Boston. Ryan's hard work has paid off and I have a feeling Red Sox Nation will soon realize what this kid brings to the table. Here is to a looooong stay in Boston Ryan!

 

SEA DOGS AND SENATORS GO 11 BUT DOGS LOSE 3-2 #redsox #portlandseadogs

OFFICIAL PORTLAND SEA DOGS GAME STORY
The Portland Sea Dogs and Harrisburg Senators battled through a very entertaining game that needed a few extra innings on Friday night. In the end, an RBI single by Tim Pahuta in the eleventh inning was the difference, as the Senators defeated the Sea Dogs 3-2 at Metro Bank Park.

For the fourth straight game on the trip, the Sea Dogs opened the scoring in the top of the first. Che-Hsuan Lin started the game by getting hit by a pitch, and advanced around to third on a base hit by Nate Spears. After Ray Chang struck out, Luis Exposito singled to left field, knocking in Lin for his 71st RBI of the season, as well as his sixth in two nights against Harrisburg.

In the second inning, the Senators tied the game. Jesus Valdez led off the frame with a triple to right-center field. Adam Fox followed with a groundout to short, but the ball was hit deep enough to score Valdez.

After that, the starting pitching became the story, as Jeremy Kehrt and Tom Milone were spectacular. The two combined to keep the score tied at one through the first six innings of the ball game, allowing a combined total of seven baserunners in that span.

The deadlock was eventually broken in the seventh inning, as Portland retook the lead. Anthony Rizzo singled on the first pitch he saw, and three pitches later, Yamaico Navarro ripped a triple to right-center field. However, Harrisburg came back in their half of the seventh, knotting the game at two. Tim Pahuta led off the frame with a double. After a pair of outs, Danny Espinosa walked, and Michael Martinez singled, knocking in Pahuta with the tying run.

The tied score led to no-decisions for both starting pitchers. Kehrt went six and two-thirds innings for the Sea Dogs, allowing two runs, seven hits, and one walk, while striking out two. Milone went seven innings for the Senators, allowing two runs and six hits, while striking out eight.

The game remained tied until the eleventh inning, when the Senators walked off with a victory. Chris Marrero led off the frame with a double, and advanced to third base on an error by Nate Spears. After Adam Fox was intentionally walked, Tim Pahuta delivered a base hit to right field, scoring pinch runner Josh Johnson with the winning run.

Cole Kimball (3-1) got the win for Harrisburg, pitching two and one-third scoreless innings. Ryne Lawson (5-4) suffered the loss for Portland, allowing one run in one-third of an inning. Honorable mention goes to Blake Maxwell, who tossed three and one-third scoreless innings for the visitors.

The Sea Dogs and Senators will play game three of their four-game series on Saturday night at 7:00. Portland has yet to name a starter, while Harrisburg's starting pitcher will be Jordan Zimmermann, who is on a rehab assignment.

LUIS EXPOSITO HOMERS TWICE, BUT DOGS LOSE 10 - 5 #portlandseadogs #redsox

OFFICIAL PORTLAND SEA DOGS RECAP
Luis Exposito did all he could for the Portland Sea Dogs on Thursday night, as he hit two home runs and drove in five. However, the Harrisburg Senators got a two-run homer from Marvin Lowrance, a three-run shot by Danny Espinosa, and a two-run double by Adam Fox, as they won the series opener 10-5 at Metro Bank Park.

Once again, the Sea Dogs got off to a good start in the top of the first. With two outs, Ray Chang gave the visitors some hope with a single up the middle. On the very next pitch, Luis Exposito introduced himself to the city of Harrisburg, bashing a two-run shot to left field.

Lavarnway Leads #SeaDogs to Win

To quote the great Yogi Berra, "It ain't over 'til it's over." The Portland Sea Dogs and Binghamton Mets found that out on Wednesday night, as the two clubs battled in a wild back-and-forth contest. Portland jumped out to a 7-0 lead, only to see Binghamton fight back to force extra innings with the score tied at nine. In the top of the tenth inning, the Sea Dogs went ahead for good, as Ryan Lavarnway crushed a two-run homer, giving the visitors an 11-9 win in the series finale.

For the second night in a row, the Sea Dogs got off on the right foot. With two outs in the first, Ray Chang and Luis Exposito picked up back-to-back singles. Anthony Rizzo then appeared to get hit by a pitch, but the ball ended up hitting his bat instead. Binghamton catcher Salomon Manriquez threw over the head of his first baseman, scoring Chang and Exposito with a pair of unearned runs.

One inning later, Portland extended the lead with a five-spot. Jorge Padron singled to start the inning, and Ryan Khoury followed with a flyout. After that, the visitors strung four straight singles together, as Chih-Hsien Chiang, Che-Hsuan Lin, Yamaico Navarro, and Ray Chang all hit it where they weren't. Three batters later, Ryan Lavarnway smacked a ground rule double down the right field line, scoring two more runs for a 7-0 lead.

Salomon Manriquez put the Mets on the board with an RBI single in the second, and one inning later, the Sea Dogs' lead was suddenly shrunk to two. With two down, Marshall Hubbard and Zach Lutz hit back-to-back run scoring doubles, and two batters after that, Manriquez drove in two more with a double of his own.

Both offenses were held at bay in the fourth and fifth innings, but in the sixth, Portland added some padding to the lead. Ray Chang took the second pitch he saw out to left field for his seventh home run of the season. Two batters later, Anthony Rizzo launched his 11th homer of the year to right field. Both longballs came off of reliever Edgar Ramirez, who allowed two runs on two hits in three innings.

Unfortunately for the Sea Dogs, the game was far from over. Zach Lutz led off the bottom of the eighth inning with a solo home run, and four batters later, Sean Ratliff hit a pinch hit three-run blast, tying the score at nine.

The game stayed tied until the tenth, when Portland retook the lead. Luis Exposito led off with a walk, and after a flyout by Anthony Rizzo, Ryan Lavarnway clobbered a two-run shot to left field, putting the visitors on top 11-9.

After allowing the tying homer to Ratliff in the eighth, Jason Rice preserved his win with a perfect tenth inning. In the game, Rice (2-2) went two and two-thirds innings, allowing just the home run, while striking out four. Manuel Alvarez (3-1) was the losing pitcher, allowing two runs on one hit in two innings.

The Sea Dogs will begin a new series on Thursday night at 7:00, when they visit the Harrisburg Senators. Kyle Weiland (5-5, 3.82) will get the call in the series opener for Portland, while Harrisburg will turn to Andrew Kown (5-4, 3.89).

Box Score/Recap

Audio Recap

--Courtesy Mike Antonellis--

#SeaDogs Fall to Mets in a Slug-Fest

(Binghamton, NY)- Tuesday night's game started well for the Portland Sea Dogs, who jumped out to a 7-2 lead in the third inning. However, the finish wasn't as pleasant, as the Binghamton Mets came back with five runs in the fourth, before ultimately taking the lead and not looking back. The Mets tied the three-game series with an 12-8 win, setting up a rubber game on Wednesday.

The Sea Dogs wasted little time in jumping on Binghamton starter Josh Stinson in the top of the first, putting four runs on the board. Che-Hsuan Lin and Nate Spears both singled, with Lin coming around to score on a sacrifice fly by Ray Chang. Luis Exposito followed with a walk, before three consecutive RBI singles by Anthony Rizzo, Yamaico Navarro, and Ryan Lavarnway.

In the second inning, the Mets cut the lead in half, as Joshua Satin singled, and Zach Lutz cracked a two-run homer to left field. However, Portland responded in the third with three of their own. Anthony Rizzo walked, then scored on three straight wild pitches. Yamaico Navarro also reached and advanced a base on a wild pitch, but scored on Jorge Padron's single. Two batters later, Padron scored, as Che-Hsuan Lin doubled to left.

Unfortunately for the visitors, the lead didn't last, as Binghamton came back with five runs in the fourth. Sean Ratliff, Joshua Satin, and Marshall Hubbard all singled, loading the bases. After Mike Nickeas popped out, Zach Lutz singled, Jose Coronado walked, Raul Reyes singled, and Nick Evans doubled, knotting the score at seven.

With starter Alex Wilson still in the game, the Mets took their first lead in the sixth. Mike Nickeas walked and Zach Lutz singled to start the frame. Ryne Miller replaced Wilson at that point, and induced a pair of groundouts. However, the Sea Dogs weren't out of the inning just yet. With two down, Nick Evans blooped a double to right that Chih-Hsien Chiang didn't see, giving Binghamton a 9-7 lead.

Chih-Hsien Chiang's RBI single in the seventh brought Portland within a run, but in the bottom half of the inning, Marshall Hubbard crushed a two-run blast, establishing a three-run lead for the home team. Jose Coronado added a solo shot in the eighth, as the Mets won 12-8.

Dylan Owen (4-1) picked up the win, tossing three and two-thirds scoreless innings out of the Binghamton bullpen. Alex Wilson (3-3) suffered the loss, allowing nine runs on ten hits in five-plus innings.

The Sea Dogs and Mets will conclude their three-game series on Wednesday night at 6:35. Stephen Fife (6-3, 3.73) will make the start for Portland, while Binghamton turns to Mark Cohoon (1-3, 6.37).

Box Score/recap

Audio Recap

--Courtesy Mike Antonellis--

JOSE IGLESIAS FOR SCOTT DOWNS..DON'T THINK SO! #redsox #bluejays #portlandseadogs #MLB #tradedeadline

PHOTO BY JEFF SCHOOLS CMSB MEDIA/MR SPARKY

I’ve seen this play before, and it has a nightmarish ending.

August 31, 1990. The Boston Red Sox were looking to solidify a not so great bullpen. The Blue Jays had top to bottom, one of the best staffs in baseball and trailed the Sox by 6 games.  Lou Gorman decided it was time to pull off the now infamous deal with the Houston Astros, Red Sox 3B prospect Jeff Bagwell for middle reliever Larry Andersen.

Ever wonder what the Red Sox did get out of Larry Andersen?  Well, how about 11 games, 1 save and the loss of the 6 game lead over Toronto, not all Andersen’s fault. While the Red Sox ultimately won the division, they were clean swept out of the ALCS by the Oakland A’s, and Andersen lost game 1, the sole purpose for Andersen’s existence on the Red Sox.

How did Jeff Bagwell do in Houston?  I think we all know how that went, minus the alleged steroid issues.

Let’s fast forward to 2010. The Boston Red Sox are 4 games out of a playoff spot looking to solidify a horrible middle relief situation. Downs is considered one of the best middle relievers in the game as we speak. He has a 4-5 record, allowed only 1 HR,  19 holds, a 1.05 WHIP and a 2.44 ERA in 46 games. Very good numbers for a middle relief guy no doubt. Better than what the Red Sox currently have (Delcarmen, Okajima..) , absolutely.

But is Scott Downs worth what will most assuredly be a steep asking price? Simple answer, NO…and here is why.

STATS – While I am not a Bill James-ian or a SABR Guru, I do know how to look at stats and draw conclusions out of what I see. When I look at Scott Downs performance this year, I see a troubling trend. Batters 1 – 4 in a lineup, any teams MEAT of the order, Downs is Plain Jane. He’s allowed 21 hits in 76 at bats for an opponent’s BA of .276. Downs feasts on the rest of the order allowing only 11 hits in 58 ABs with a batting average almost 100 points lower at .189.

CONTRACT – Just like Larry Andersen, Scott Downs is a free agent at the end of the season. Nuff said.

PRICE – Well here lies the rub!

Rumors and quotes from the Blue Jays organization have Scott Downs costing ANY team a pretty penny. For the Boston Red Sox, the cost will most likely be a Class A ballplayer combined with the likes of Jose Iglesias. Most reports have Toronto asking for Iglesias in any deal that would include Downs.
Folks trust me when I say, Jose Iglesias is as sure a thing as Jeff Bagwell was and ended up being 449 home runs later. Jose Iglasias will make you forget everyone in between Nomar Garciaparra and now. Hell, he might even make you forget Nomar too. Iglesias will not be the power threat any of the modern shortstop marvels are (Jeter, A-Rod, Nomar) but he just might provide you Ozzie Smith type D and hit .300 to boot.

Obviously 2010 has been a messed up year for Iglesias. He was injured on May 29th after being hit by a pitch on his right hand against New Britain. The injury has been described as a deep bone bruise, slight fracture and a sprain all in one. One thing for certain, Iglesias hasn’t seen the field, in a game, since that day.

What Iglesias has done since that day is be a great teammate, work on his English and work on his glove skills. Yep, you read it right, he has taken grounder after grounder and working solely on his glove skills, right out of the Dustin Pedroia taking grounders on his knees routine. I have personally seen him make glove passes to 2nd base during batting practice that would make Ozzie Smith blush..really…no exaggeration.

When healthy, Iglesias was a stellar defender, making spectacular play after spectacular play. Now he is 20 and was prone to the making the occasional play harder than it actually might be scenario, but none so egregious to make one think it will be a problem down the road. Every person that has seen Iglesias play knows this kid, given health and continued determination, will be a very special infielder for many years to come. What most scouts and people in the know had questions on Iglesias was his bat. Could the kid from Cuba come right into pro ball and adapt. Early projections have an emphatic yes. In all the many games I have watched Jose, he never look overmatched. He always had a good approach at the plate and always looked to work counts. All his batting approaches were right out of the Boston Red Sox school of batting. He stands at .306, 9 doubles, 3 triples and a .340 OBP. Now he does have 20 plus strike outs, but that sort of thing works its way out with more experience. BTW, the kid is only 20 and defected from Cuba to the US to play baseball. Just saying…

At the end of the day, I really want no part of Scott Downs, or any other middle relief help for any one of the Top 20 prospects in the Red Sox system. The cost is simply too high to pay for a wing and a prayer, Larry Andersen taught me that 20 years ago.

JEFF SCHOOLS

RYAN LAVARNWAY IS THIS WEEKS SEA DOGS PLAYER OF THE WEEK #portlandseadogs #redsox

Ryan Lavarnway joined the Sea Dogs last week and started hitting and really hasn't stopped. In the 10 games since joining the Dogs, Ryan has had 5 multi-RBI games, highlighted by a 5 RBI game against New Hampshire. Congrats to Ryan and welcome to Portland.

SEA DOGS GET BLASTED BY SENATORS 10 - 3 #redsox #redsox

OFFICIAL PORTLAND SEA DOGS GAME WRAP

The Sea Dogs dropped their third game in a row as well as the series to the Harrisburg Senators.  Senators’ southpaw Tom Milone combined with relievers Hassan Pena and Joe Bisenius to defeat the Sea Dogs 10-3 on Sunday afternoon at Hadlock Field in front of a crowd of 7,104.

Sea Dogs starter Jeremy Kehrt struggled through five innings giving up five runs (four earned) on 12 hits. Eammon Portice did not help the Sea Dogs’ cause as he gave up three runs in his two innings of work. Bryce Cox also gave up two runs to put the Sea Dogs in an even deeper hole. Kehrt (2-8) takes the loss.

The Senators got off to an early start when Marvin Lowrance hit a home run in the first inning. They scored at least one run in all but two innings. The Senators’ 17 hits were the most against Portland this season.

WEILAND PITCHES GEM IN 2 –1 SEA DOGS LOSS #redsox #portlandseadogs

WEILAND ALLOWED ONLY 1 HIT IN 7 IP

OFFICIAL PORTLAND SEA DOGS GAME WRAP
On a foggy night in Portland when the Sea Dogs offense was relatively quiet, Kyle Weiland did everything he could to keep his team in the game. His best outing of the season was spoiled when Jason Rice couldn’t hold on to the Sea Dogs’ 1-0 lead in the top of the eighth. The Sea Dogs lost 2-1 on Friday night in front of a crowd of 6,869.

After hitting a season-high of three batters in his last outing against New Hampshire, Kyle Weiland rediscovered his control. He stifled the Senators’ offense, allowing only a double to Jesus Valdez in the first inning. After that hit, Weiland never looked back. He retired the next 20 batters he faced.

#SeaDogs Winning Streak Snapped

The Sea Dogs were unable to carry the momentum of their six-game winning streak—their longest of the season—into the second game of their series against the Harrisburg Senators. The Sea Dogs lost 7–5 on Friday night, in front of a crowd of 6,673, after crushing the Senators Thursday night, 9-1.

The Sea Dogs faced rehabbing Washington Nationals’ starter Jason Marquis, who has been battling back from surgery on his right elbow to remove bone chips. It was not the first time that Marquis had faced a team affiliated with the Red Sox. Marquis started game four of the 2004 World Series against the Red Sox, suffering the loss.

Marquis struggled with his command in the first inning, and the Sea Dogs capitalized. Luis Exposito hit a bases loaded single to give the Sea Dogs a 2-0 lead. Despite the quick start, Eastern League All-Star Stephen Fife was unable to maintain the lead. The Senators scored two runs off of Fife in the top of the second to tie the score at two.

The Sea Dogs were able to retake the lead when Chih-Hsien Chiang scored on a wild pitch from Marquis in the bottom of the second. However, the Senators tied it up in the top of the third on a single from first baseman Chris Marrero.

Fife retired the next seven batters he faced before giving up a two-run homer to Marrero. Fife (6-3) took the loss, hurling six innings, yielding five runs (four earned) on eight hits.
The Sea Dogs began to rally in the bottom of the ninth, but the rally fell short when third base umpire Scott Mahoney called Exposito out at second, as he tried to extend a single into a double.

Jason Marquis, who was on a 65-pitch limit, threw 3.1 innings allowing three runs on five hits. Senators reliever Chuck James (5-0) picked up the win.
Exposito leads the Sea Dogs in RBI with 64, and is among Eastern League leaders in that category. Ryan Lavarnway continued to handle Eastern League pitching with ease, and has hit safely in his first eight appearances since being called up from the Salem Red Sox.

The Sea Dogs will play the third game of this four-game series against the Senators Saturday night at 6:00 from Hadlock Field. The Sea Dogs will send Kyle Weiland (5-5, 4.12), to the mound, who leads the team with 83 strikeouts. Andrew Kown (4-4, 4.18) will take the mound for the Senators.

Box Score and Recap

Audio Recap

Sea Dogs Having UMF Night at Hadlock

The Portland Sea Dogs, the Double A-Affiliate of the Boston Red Sox are pleased to host family, friends and alumni of the University of Maine at Farmington, at their second annual University of Maine at Farmington Alumni night as the Portland Sea Dogs take on the Harrisburg Senators Friday, July 23rd at 7pm at Hadlock Field.

Alumni have the opportunity to purchase special tickets in the Coca Cola Picnic Grove at Hadlock Field, where they can re-connect, mingle and network with fellow alumni and members from UMF. Theo Kalikow the President of UMG, Chomp, the UMF Mascot and various admissions representatives will be on hand to greet and mingle with guests.

If you would like to join the UMF Alumni in the Coca Cola Picnic Grove tonight, please call the Group Sales Department who will help you purchase tickets with this group. Tickets are $25.00 per person, and include your seat at the game; a two hour all you can eat buffet and the chance to enjoy the atmosphere of the picnic area. Come celebrate another great night of baseball with folks from Maine’s best public liberal arts college, UMF.

Tickets are available for all remaining 2010 Portland Sea Dogs’ home games. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Sea Dogs Ticket Office at 207-879-9500 or online at www.seadogs.com. The Sea Dogs are Maine’s most affordable professional sports entertainment.

SEA DOGS WIN 6TH STRAIGHT #redsox #portlandseadogs #hburgsenators #nats

CLICK PHOTO FOR SLIDESHOW

NEWEST SEA DOG, RYAN LAVARNWAY

HADLOCK HEADLINES GAME STORY
The Portland Sea Dogs returned home on a tear, winning the last 5 games. Part of the reason is new call up, catcher Ryan Lavarnway. In his first five road games with the Sea Dogs, Lavarnway has 11 RBI.

He didn't dissapoint Dogs fans at home Thursday, going 3-5 with 3 RBI. He started his night with the game tying RBI single in the 4th inning. Continued in the 6th, plating Luis Exposito on a single off reliever Zach Dials and completed his night by plating Exposito again, this time with a 2 out double deep to centerfield for his 3rd RBI. Lavarnway is now 12-27 for a .444 AVG and 14 RBI.

#SeaDogs Make Roster Moves, Vazquez in, Peley Out

Portland Sea Dogs’ Transactions for July 22nd:

INF Will Vazquez activated from the Temporary Inactive List.
C Josue Peley transferred to Single-A Lowell.

Please Note: Jorge Padron has switched to uniform #47

Sea Dogs Communicado

CASEY KELLY KS 7 IN 5 INNINGS FOR WIN DOGS BEAT CATS 5-1 #portlandseadogs #redsox

OFFICIAL PORTLAND SEA DOGS GAME WRAP

Wednesday night featured some pretty intense storms in the state of Maine, but the biggest storm might be the baseball team headed back to the Pine Tree State. After winning two straight games in New Britain, the Portland Sea Dogs went to Manchester and came away with a three-game sweep. In the series finale, the Sea Dogs received six strong innings from Casey Kelly, as well as a pair of RBI from Ryan Lavarnway, as the visitors picked up a 5-1 win.

For the fifth straight game, it was Portland who struck first. Luis Exposito led off the top of the second inning with a double. Anthony Rizzo followed with a walk, before Yamaico Navarro singled to load the bases. After driving in five runs on Tuesday, Ryan Lavarnway continued his hot hitting, putting the Sea Dogs ahead with an RBI single to left field. Jorge Padron then grounded into a double play, but Rizzo came in to score the second run.

In the third inning, the visitors added to their lead. This time, Anthony Rizzo led off the frame with a double. After an error by Luis Sanchez that allowed Yamaico Navarro to reach base, Ryan Lavarnway hit into a fielder's choice, knocking in his eleventh run in just six games in a Portland uniform.

The Fisher Cats got a run back in their half of the third, when Travis Snider smacked a solo home run to right-center field. For Snider, it was his second homer in as many nights. However, the Sea Dogs had an answer, getting that run back in the fourth. With one out, Che-Hsuan Lin tripled, then scored on a ground out by Nate Spears.

On the pitching side of things, Casey Kelly was tremendous for Portland. Boston's top pitching prospect tossed six innings, allowing one run, six hits, and one walk, while striking out eight. Jo-Jo Reyes also went six innings for New Hampshire, allowing four runs, six hits, and two walks, while striking out four. Both starters earned decisions, as Kelly (3-4) beat Reyes (1-1).

Jorge Padron's RBI single in the ninth gave the Sea Dogs an insurance run, as they completed their series sweep of the Fisher Cats with a 5-1 win. Blake Maxwell and Jason Rice finished the win with three scoreless innings out of the Portland bullpen.

On Thursday night, the Sea Dogs will return to Hadlock Field, as they begin a four-game series with the Harrisburg Senators at 7:00. The pitching match-up for the series opener will feature Portland's Alex Wilson (2-2, 5.89) and Harrisburg's John Lannan (1-2, 4.11).

LAVARNWAY PACES SEA DOGS WITH 5 RBI IN 13 - 6 WIN #portlandseadogs #redsox

LAVARNWAY HAD 5 RBI TUESDAY

OFFICIAL PORTLAND SEA DOGS GAME WRAP
For the second night in a row, the Portland Sea Dogs brought their bats to MerchantsAuto.com Stadium. After scoring eleven runs on Monday, the visiting Sea Dogs did themselves two better on Tuesday, pounding out 13 runs on 19 hits in a 13-6 victory over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

The Sea Dogs got the offense going early with a two-out rally in the first. Ray Chang walked, Luis Exposito reached on a two-base error, and Anthony Rizzo ripped a two-run double into the left-center field gap. The Fisher Cats got one run back in their half of the first, but Portland had an answer in the second. Jorge Padron led off with a single, and quickly scored on Chih-Hsien Chiang's RBI double down the right field line.

WEILAND CONTINUES ROLL IN SEA DOGS 11 - 2 WIN #portlandseadogs #redsox #fishercats #bluejays

OFFICIAL PORTLAND SEA DOGS GAME RECAP
It took a while to get things started on Monday night, but for the Portland Sea Dogs, the wait was well worth it. Portland scored eleven runs, including a seven-run outburst in the fifth. After the clock struck midnight, the Sea Dogs were able to celebrate their 11-2 win in the series opener.

Thanks to mother nature, the two teams had to wait through a rain delay, ultimately starting at 9:09. At that time, the Sea Dogs were more than ready to get started, as the first three batters all reached base. Two singles and a walk were followed by back-to-back strikeouts, but with two down, Ryan Lavarnway was hit by a pitch, bringing home Che-Hsuan Lin with the game's first run.

ANTHONY RIZZO NAMED HADLOCK HEADLINES PLAYER OF THE WEEK FOR 2ND TIME #redsox #portlandseadogs

On a tough All-Star week to get into a groove, Anthony Rizzo continued solid approach at the plate wins him Hadlock Headlines Player of the Week for the 2nd time.

Rizzo hit his 10th Eastern League HR Sunday to help pace the Sea Dogs to a series split with the New Britain Rock Cats.

SEA DOGS CLOSE OUT NEW BRITAIN WITH 4-2 WIN #redsox #portlandseadogs

RECENT CALL UP RYAN LAVARNWAY (PHOTO BY KELLY O'CONNOR)

OFFICIAL PORTLAND SEA DOGS GAME WRAP
The New Britain Rock Cats started the four-game series with back-to-back wins, but the last two games belonged to the Portland Sea Dogs. After an 11-3 win on Saturday, the Sea Dogs used six scoreless innings from Stephen Fife, salvaging the split at New Britain Stadium with a 4-2 win on Sunday afternoon.

After three scoreless frames, the Sea Dogs broke through in the top of the fourth. With two outs, Anthony Rizzo sent a towering fly ball down the right field line. The only question was whether it would land fair, which it did, giving Rizzo his tenth home run in Double-A.

SEA DOGS SCORE 6 IN 1ST AND NEVER LOOK BACK IN A 11-3 WIN OVER ROCK CATS #redsox #portlandseadogs #sblog

OFFICIAL PORTLAND SEA DOGS GAME STORY

The Portland Sea Dogs got off to a tremendous start on Saturday night, scoring six runs on seven hits in the first inning for a 6-0 lead over the Rock Cats. That offensive support was helpful for Alex Wilson, who earned his second win of the season, allowing two runs on six hits in six and one-third innings. With that, the Sea Dogs picked up their first win after the all-star break, smoking New Britain, 11-3.

After two straight tough losses, the Sea Dogs wanted to make sure they got off to a good start. Che-Hsuan Lin and Jeremy Hermida helped that cause with back-to-back hits, putting Portland ahead 1-0. Two batters later, Anthony Rizzo contributed an RBI double, driving in Hermida. As the inning continued, so did the Sea Dogs' bats, as Ryan Lavarnway, Jorge Padron, and Chih-Hsien Chiang all had run producing hits. When all was said and done in the top of the first, the visitors sent eleven men to the plate, scoring six times on seven hits.

SEA DOGS LOSE IN THE 9TH 6 - 4 #portlandseadogs #redsox

OFFICIAL PORTLAND SEA DOGS GAME WRAP
At one point during Friday night's game, the Portland Sea Dogs had a 4-1 lead. However, the host New Britain Rock Cats had the final say, scoring five unanswered runs for a 6-4 win at New Britain Stadium. The winning runs were scored in the bottom of the tenth, when Jair Fernandez hit a two-run blast off of reliever Bryce Cox.

Portland starter Casey Kelly got off to an interesting start in the first inning, allowing three hits and a walk. However, a flyout, a pick off, and a caught stealing left the game scoreless after one. One inning later, the Rock Cats got on the board. Steve Singleton led off with a double, and advanced to third on a single by Alexander Soto. Mark Dolenc grounded to third for the first out of the frame, but was able to drive in Singleton.

New Britain's lead didn't last long, as the Sea Dogs came back with three runs in the top of the third. Chih-Hsien Chiang started the rally by reaching on a two-base error by Chris Parmelee. Ryan Khoury followed with a walk, before both runners advanced on a wild pitch. That set the table for Che-Hsuan Lin, who tripled to left field for a 2-1 Portland lead. Lin's stay at third base was a short one, as Jeremy Hermida picked up his first RBI with Portland on a grounder to short.

EVEN WITH DELCARMEN AND HERMIDA, #PORTLANDSEADOGS LOSE TO CATS 3 - 0 #redsox #sblog #milb

OFFICIAL PORTLAND SEA DOGS GAME WRAP
Manny Delcarmen started Thursday night's game with a perfect first inning for the Sea Dogs, but it was New Britain starter Tyler Robertson who stole the headlines. Robertson pitched six scoreless innings for his second win of the season, as the Rock Cats blanked Portland 3-0 in the series opener at New Britain Stadium.

The big news entering the game for the Sea Dogs was rehab assignments, as Manny Delcarmen and Jeremy Hermida were both assigned to Portland from the parent Red Sox. Delcarmen's stint didn't last long, as he needed just nine pitches (six strikes) to send the Rock Cats down in order in the bottom of the first. The second batter of the inning was Alexi Casilla, who went 1-for-3 with a walk in his first rehab game with New Britain.

A LITTLE LATE BUT HADLOCK HEADLINES PLAYER OF THE WEEK NATE SPEARS #redsox #portlandseadogs #sblog

Nate Spears continues to have a great season for the Portland Sea Dogs and his 10 RBI, 1 triple and 3 HRs led the way this week. Congrats to a great guy, Nate Spears!

Mike Antonellis from @SeaDogsRadio talks #RedSox Minor Leagues

The voice of the Portland Sea Dogs, Mike Antonellis, stopped by the Morning Jab today to talk Sea Dogs, Red Sox minor leagues and more.

SPEARS AND CHANG SHINE, BUT WEST BEATS EAST IN EASTERN LEAGUE ALL STAR GAME 10 - 3 #portlandseadogs #redsox

Two Portland Sea Dogs players played prominent roles for the Eastern Squad in the Eastern League All Star Game held in Harrisburg Wednesday night. Nate Spears delivered the 1st runs for the East squad with a double in the 3rd to plate Reading's Matthew Rizzotti.

Ray Chang went 2 for 4 and scored a run in the Eastern squads 10 - 3 loss to the West squad. Sea Dogs pitcher Jason Rice pitched a scoreless 8th for the East.

Delcarmen to rehab with #SeaDogs

The Boston Red Sox have announced that Manny Delcarmen is scheduled to begin a major league rehabilitation assignment with the Portland Sea Dogs on Thursday, July 15th. The Sea Dogs will be in New Britain, Connecticut to face the New Britain Rock Cats (Twins) at 7:05 PM at New Britain Stadium.

Manny Delcarmen has been sidelined since July 1st with a right forearm strain. Delcarmen, 28, has gone 2-2 with a 4.59 ERA (17 ER/33.1 IP) in 33 relief appearances with the Red Sox this season. He's held opponents to a .220 average (27-for-123) while recording 23 strikeouts and 20 walks.

Delcarmen appeared in 31 games for the Sea Dogs in 2005 posting a 4-4 record with three saves and a 3.23 ERA. Delcarmen would make his Major League debut for the Red Sox on July 26, 2005 at Tampa Bay. The Boston, Massachusetts native was selected in the second round of the 2000 First-Year Player Draft.

The Sea Dogs return to action after the Eastern League All-Star break on Thursday, July 15th with a seven game road trip with stops in New Britain, Connecticut and Manchester, New Hampshire. The Sea Dogs return to Hadlock Field for a brief four game series with the Harrisburg Senators (Nationals) July 22nd through July 25th. Tickets are available for all remaining 2010 Sea Dogs’ home games. Tickets can be purchased by contacting the Sea Dogs Ticket Office at 207-879-9500 or online at www.seadogs.com.

--SEA DOGS--

SEA DOGS LOSE TOUGH ONE TO ROCK CAT 4-3. #portlandseadogs #redsox #milb #sblog

ALEX WILSON PITCHED 5 2/3 STRONG BUT DOGS LOSE

PORTLAND SEA DOGS OFFICIAL GAME WRAP

Chris Parmelee hit a two out RBI double to right-center off Ryne Miller to snap a 3-3 tie, to lift the New Britain Rock Cats over the Portland Sea Dogs 4-3 before 6,424 Monday afternoon at Hadlock Field.  Clutch hitting proved to be the difference for New Britain, who scored all four of their runs with two outs.  The Sea Dogs (44-46) and Rock Cats (26-65) split the four game series.

Parmelee’s double would account for all the runs and hits allowed by Lawson (5-3) who suffers the loss.  Overall, Lawson tossed 2.1 innings in relief of Portland starter Alex Wilson.

Trailing 3-2 with runners on first and second and one out in the seventh inning, Nate Spears smacked a double down the right field line off New Britain reliever Chris Province to tie the game 3-3.  The RBI double extended Spears’ hitting streak to a season-high seven games, as the second baseman registered a hit in all but the first game of the homestand.

Although the double came off Province, the run was charged to starter David Bromberg, who departed after throwing 6.1 strong innings allowing three runs on eight hits and striking out four in the no decision.

The Sea Dogs were still threatening in the seventh, but Province would bear down with one out and Spears at second and Che-Hsuan Lin at third.  The righty was able to get Yamaico Navarro to pop out to third and Anthony Rizzo to ground out to end the threat and keep the game knotted 3-3.

Province (4-1) would add a scoreless eighth to pick up the win for New Britain, tossing 1.2 innings overall allowing just the inherited runner to score on one hit, with one strikeout.

The Rock Cats jumped out front first scoring two runs on three hits in the third inning of Portland starter Alex Wilson.  Steve Singleton had a RBI double to score Chris Cates.  Singleton would score on a RBI single by Parmelee.

Portland responded in the bottom half of the inning when Luis Segovia led off with a double and scored on a single by Will Vazquez.

Wilson surrendered a homerun for the sixth consecutive start, as Alexander Soto hit a solo home run in the third to extend the Rock Cats lead to 3-1. 

Despite the homerun, it was a positive start for Wilson, who did not relinquish a single walk over his 5.2 innings of work, he allowed three runs on eight hits and struck out three.  Wilson would not factor in the decision.

The New Britain lead would be cut back down to one in the fifth inning, when Segovia, who led the inning off with a single and advanced to second on a Lin double, came around to score on Nate Spears’ ground out to second, 3-2.

Billy Bullock pitched the ninth for New Britain, to pick up his fifth save of the season. 

The Sea Dogs will be off Tuesday and Wednesday for the All-Star break.  The 2010 Eastern League All-Star Game will be played on Wednesday, July 14^th in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, home to the Harrisburg Senators (Nationals).  Four Sea Dogs players will be headed to Harrisburg to take part in the All-Star festivities; infielders Ray Chang and Nate Spears and pitchers Stephen Fife and Jason Rice.

After the All-Star break the Sea Dogs embark on a seven day road trip with stops in New Britain, Connecticut and Manchester, New Hampshire starting with a 7:05 PM contest Thursday night against the Rock Cats in New Britain.  The Sea Dogs return to Hadlock Field for a four game series against the Harrisburg Senators July 22^nd through July 25^th.  Tickets are available for all remaining 2010 Sea Dogs’ home games and can be purchased by contacting the Sea Dogs Ticket Office at 207-879-9500 or online at www.seadogs.com.

GAME HIGHLIGHTS COURTESY US CELLULAR SEA DOGS RADIO NETWORK

Kelly, Chang, Rizzo Lead Dogs to Victory

Ray Chang and Anthony Rizzo homered, as Casey Kelly turned in one of his finest performances of the season to give the Portland Sea Dogs a 7-3 victory over the New Britain Rock Cats Sunday afternoon at Hadlock Field before a crowd of 6,004.

For the first time since July 4th at Binghamton, the Sea Dogs struck first, as Chang connected for a solo shot off New Britain starter Kyle Gibson in the second inning to grab a 1-0 lead.

New Britain would get to Kelly for a couple of runs in the top of the third to take the lead. After a one out triple, Joe Benson would come in to score on a wild pitch by Kelly. Three batters later, Eric Lis would double home Chris Parmelee for a 2-1 New Britain advantage.

That would be all the scoring for New Britain off Kelly (2-4) who tossed 5.2 innings, allowing just the two runs on five hits and one walk, while striking out two in the winning effort.

Portland would grab the lead for good in the bottom of the fourth. Anthony Rizzo would smack a solo shot to knot the game at two. Later in the inning, Matt Sheely would continue his hot hitting, doubling to left-center to bring in Chih-Hsien Chiang, giving the Sea Dogs the lead for good, 3-2.

Nate Spears also continued his torrid hitting, leading off the fifth with a triple and eventually scoring on a Yamaico Navarro RBI single. Portland would tack on two more in the fifth, scoring after Chiang was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded and again after a New Britain mental miscue allowed Rizzo to score on a Sheely fly out to right field.

Gibson (5-4) would not be able to find a way out of the fifth, as he was lifted after 4.1 innings allowing the six runs of seven hits and three walks, while striking out two in the losing effort.

New Britain was able to scratch across a run in the eighth inning, when Allan De San Miguel’s sacrifice fly off Portland reliever Santo Luis scored Steve Singleton to bring the Rock Cats within three. However, Portland would get that run back off Cole DeVries in the bottom of the frame when Che-Hsuan Lin came home from third after ball four to Anthony Rizzo was wild, 7-3.

Bryce Cox would pitch a perfect ninth inning to secure the win for the home team and guarantee to least a split in this four game series.

The Sea Dogs will wrap up their eight game homestand and their four game series with the Rock Cats Monday with a day game at 12 p.m. RHP Alex Wilson (1-2) will take the ball for Portland opposite RHP David Bromberg (5-3) for New Britain.

Box Score

Audio Recap

--Courtesy Sea Dogs Communications--

#RedSox Director of Player Development Mike Hazen

Mike Hazen, the director of player development for the Boston Red Sox, joined Jeff and Matty to break down the Sox on the farm (Casey Kelly, Will Middlebrooks, Mark Wagner), plans for some of the guys going forward (Michael Bowden, Felix Doubront, and Ryan Kalish in particular). Great listen, definitely worth some time. Check it out below.

MIKE HAZEN

New Hampshire knocks off Portland

The New Hampshire Fisher Cats (52-35) jumped out to an early lead and held off the Portland Sea Dogs (42-44) by the score of 8-2 Wednesday night at Hadlock Field to take the final game of the four-game set.

New Hampshire first baseman David Cooper had a solid ballgame at the plate, going three-for-four with two homers and four RBI to keep Portland out of reach.

In a sign of what was to come, the first three New Hampshire batters reached base in the first inning off of Portland starter Jeremy Kehrt to jump out to a 2-0 lead. Travis Snider continued to enjoy his rehab stint with the Fisher Cats, as he drove in Darin Mastroianni with an RBI single to bring in the first run of the game.

Portland would get one back in the bottom half of the first. Che-Hsuan Lin would lead off with a walk and a steal of second before advancing to third on a Nate Spears single. The base hit would be Spears’ fifth consecutive at-bat with a hit. Two batters later, Luis Exposito hit a sacrifice fly to leftfield to score Lin for his team leading 61st RBI.

However, Cooper would extend the New Hampshire lead to 6-2 with homeruns in the second and third innings. The first was a solo shot that hit off the Ford sign above the video board in the second, while the other was a two-out three-run shot into the U.S. Cellular Pavilion.

With the two home runs for Cooper, New Hampshire has now homered 17 times in their last 13 games.

Matt Sheely was two-for-three with a walk for Portland and scored the team’s second run on a Lin groundout in the sixth inning.

New Hampshire would add two more runs in the fourth on a two-out two-run double by Shawn Bowman off Portland reliever Ryne Lawson. The two runs that scored on the double closed the book on Kehrt (1-6) who went 3.2 innings allowing eight runs on seven hits and six walks while striking out three.

Despite Lawson allowing the two inherited runners to score, the Portland bullpen was strong. Lawson went on 3.2 scoreless innings, before giving way to lefty Mitch Herold who would toss two scoreless innings of his own for the home team.

The pitching was quality for New Hampshire throughout the game, as starter Rey Gonzalez (1-0) went seven innings, allowing just the two runs on six hits with 3 strikeouts. Danny Farquhar threw two scoreless frames in relief.

Portland will continue their eight game homestand Thursday night at 7 p.m. at Hadlock Field when the Sea Dogs and RHP Stephen Fife (4-2, 4.11) take on the New Britain Rock Cats and LHP Tyler Robertson (1-8, 5.31).

NOTES: The paid attendance for tonight’s game was 6,119…New Hampshire had their first 7 leadoff hitters reach base before Herold struck out Adeiny Hechavarria to begin the eighth…New Hampshire is 39-12 when scoring first this season.

Box Score

Audio Recap

CASEY KELLY GETS STAR FOR SEA DOGS IN GM 2 #redsox #portlandseadogs #bluejays #fishercats

LUIS EXPOSITO DOUBLES IN 1ST SEA DOGS RUN OF NIGHT

OFFICIAL SEA DOGS GAME WRAP UP
Travis Snider had three doubles and Shawn Bowman blasted a two- run home run as the New Hampshire Fisher Cats topped the Sea Dogs 6-5 in front of 5,724 fans at Hadlock Field on Tuesday evening.

Snider, on a Major League rehab assignment from the Toronto Blue Jays, was 4-for-5 with three doubles, two runs scored, and a RBI. While Bowman added three hits of his own including a three run homer and 4 RBI.

New Hampshire jumped on Casey Kelly in the first scoring two runs on three doubles from Darin Mastroianni, Snider, and Bowman.

The Sea Dogs responded in the bottom half of the first scoring three runs of their own. Luis Exposito drove in his 60th RBI on a two out single to left field. The big hit came on a bases loaded double by Chih-Hsien Chiang scoring Exposito and Anthony Rizzo giving the Sea Dogs a 3-2 lead.

Bowman would give the Fisher Cats the lead back in the fifth inning when he crushed a three run homer off Kelly scoring Eric Thames and Snyder giving New Hampshire a 5-3 lead.

Kelly (1-4) went 5.1 innings in his outing, giving up five earned runs on seven hits. He struck out a career high eight batters and yielded three walks.

Eammon Portice relieved Kelly surrendering one run on an Adeiny Hechavarria sacrifice fly with the bases loaded making it 6-3Fisher Cats.

New Hampshire starter B.J. LaMura (2-3) went six innings, giving up three runs. LaMura retired 16 in a row after the Chiang double in the first.

Adrian Matin came in to the game after LaMura and found trouble in the bottom of the 7th. With the bases loaded, All-Star Nate Spears roped a two-run single to put the Sea Dogs within a run. The rally ended when Trystan Magnuson entered the game and got Yamaico Navarro to pop out. Magnuson earned his fourth save of the season.

The Sea Dogs and Fisher Cats play the third game of their four game series tomorrow night at 7:00 PM. Portland’s Alex Wilson (0-2, 8.68) faces off against the Fisher Cats’ Randy Boone (2-3, 3.45).

HIGHLIGHTS COURTESY US CELLULAR SEA DOGS RADIO NETWORK

SEA DOGS TAKE ON NH FISHER CATS #redsox #portlandseadogs #fishercats #bluejays

LEWISTON NATIVE RENE RANCOURT SINGS ANTHEM

OFFICIAL SEA DOGS GAME WRAP UP

Adam Loewen blasted a two run homer in the eighth inning to snap a 3-3 tie as the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (50-34) went on to defeat the Portland Sea Dogs 5-3 Monday night at Hadlock Field in front of the Sea Dogs fifth sell out of the season (7,368 fans).  The Sea Dogs (41-42) drop below the .500 mark for the first time since May 28^th.

Loewen and David Cooper both contributed with three hit performances and two RBI to lead the Fisher Cats to their third straight win.

The Fisher Cats drew first blood of the series, picking up a run in the second inning off Kyle Weiland.  Lowen singled with one out and advanced to third base on a double by Cooper.  Jonathan Jaspe picked up his 13th RBI with a ground out.

METS BEAT SEA DOGS 9 - 3 TO EVEN SERIES #redsox #portlandseadogs #milb #mlb #sblog

OFFICIAL PORTLAND SEA DOGS GAME RECAP
The Portland Sea Dogs erased a 2-0 deficit with a three-run fifth inning, but the Binghamton Mets answered with a large rally of their own. Mike Nickeas' two-run home blast capped a five-run inning, as the Mets came back to even the series with a 9-3 win at NYSEG Stadium.

For the third time in four games, the Mets drew first blood in the bottom of the first. Kirk Nieuwenhuis led off the night with a double, moved to third on a ground ball by Sean Ratliff, and scored when Nick Evans grounded into a double play. Nieuwenhuis continued his strong night at the plate in the the third, as he smacked a solo home run to right field.

Chris Mellen from @SoxProspects Talks #RedSox Minor League Systems

Chris Mellen joined us to talk about the Red Sox minor league system this morning check it out.

SEA DOGS SPLIT A DOUBLE HEADER WITH BINGHAMTON #portlandseadogs #redsox #mets

OFFICIAL PORTLAND SEA DOGS GAME WRAP
Friday night's doubleheader was a case of night and day, as the Portland Sea Dogs faced the Binghamton Mets. Binghamton nearly tossed a perfect game in the opener, shutting out Portland, 10-0. In the nightcap, the Sea Dogs responded, splitting the doubleheader with a 10-2 victory.

GAME ONE
The first three innings of the game flew by, as Alex Wilson and Chris Schwinden combined to allow three baserunners on one hit and two walks. With two outs in the fourth, the Mets broke through, scoring the first runs of the night. Raul Reyes put Binghamton on the board with a solo homer, before a pair of RBI singles from Jose Coronado and Michael Fisher put the home team ahead, 3-0.

The fifth inning was more of the same for the Mets, as they blew the game open. Kirk Nieuwenhuis started the frame with a solo home run. Sean Ratliff, Joshua Satin, and Marshall Hubbard followed with hits, as Binghamton took a 5-0 lead. Mike Nickeas added a two-run double, and Jonathan Malo completed the scoring with a three-run home run.

SEA DOGS EDGE BINGHAMTON #redsox #portlandseadogs #sblog

OFFICIAL PORTLAND SEA DOGS GAME WRAP
The Portland Sea Dogs fell behind 3-1 in the fourth inning, but scored the night's last four runs, as they opened a five-game series with a 5-3 win over the Binghamton Mets. Portland took the lead in the seventh, scoring on a wild pitch and an RBI single by Che-Hsuan Lin.

In the bottom of the first, the Mets needed little time to take the lead. After Kirk Nieuwenhuis grounded out, Sean Ratliff hit a solo home run. Nick Evans and Marshall Hubbard followed with consecutive singles, but Casey Kelly induced a double play to end the inning.

The Sea Dogs responded with the tying run in the second. Luis Exposito started the frame with an infield hit, before Anthony Rizzo was hit by a pitch. Yamaico Navarro then hit a ground ball to short, forcing out Rizzo at second base, but the throw to first was wild, allowing Exposito to score.

Binghamton regained the lead in the third. With one out, Kirk Nieuwenhuis walked and Sean Ratliff singled. With two men on, Nick Evans singled to right, bringing home Nieuwenhuis with the go-ahead run. One inning later, Raul Reyes put the home team ahead by two, blasting a home run off of the video board in right field.