Sea Dogs: Eastern League launches Charity Auction

The Eastern League is pleased to announce the league has launched an online charity auction. All proceeds from the auction will be donated to the relief efforts from the devastating flooding that took place in Binghamton, New York and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania earlier this fall. To view the items being auctioned off or to place a bid visit http://easternleague.milbauctions.com.

The list of items that will be available when the auction starts on Tuesday afternoon are:

• Game worn Akron Aeros Cory Burns jersey
• Autograph Pack featuring LaMarr Woodley of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Matt Cooke and Pascal Dupuis of the Pittsburgh Penguins
• Derek Lee autographed baseball
• Jacob Turner autographed baseball
• Tyler Moore game worn autographed hat
• Paul Molitor autographed baseball
• 2011 Eastern League All-Star Game team autographed baseball set (Eastern Division baseball and Western Division baseball)
• Autographed Jose Iglesias Portland Sea Dogs jersey
• 2011 Reading Phillies Opening Day team autographed baseball
• Richmond Flying Squirrels Prize Pack (various giveaway items, a t-shirt and hat)
• Set of 2011 Trenton Thunder Bobblehead Dolls (Cano, Hughes, Pettitte home, Pettitte road, Jeter, Banuelos/Bettances, Pettitte statue)

New items will continue to be added to the auction through its completion in December so be sure to visit the site often to see what is available. Some of the items that will be added along the way include:

• Derek Jeter authenticated autographed baseball
• Portland Sea Dogs honorary bat kid for a game
• Carlos Santana autographed bat
• Andrew McCutchen autographed bat

This is just a small sample of the items that will be added over the coming weeks so make sure to visit the site regularly and put a bid in for some these great collectibles while also helping out two Eastern League communities.

--COURTESY SEA DOGS COMMUNICATIONS--

Portland Sea Dogs Owner Dan Burke dies at the age of 82.

John Howard Sanden Portrait of Dan Burke

So what kind of person could make a person like me, stand in line, overnight, in the dead of winter (February 25/26 to be exact) for freaking baseball tickets. Dan Burke could and Dan Burke did.

Me and hundreds of other rabid baseball fans braved below zero wind chills that February night to line up in front of an incomplete Hadlock Field. It was quite a scene. I was bundled head to toe thinking about baseball. I was 12th in line, will never forget that number! The prize that day was a temporary trailer standing where the handicapped parking lot entrance is now. In front, a series of rope lines to weave the baseball crazies like myself toward the goal of Opening Day tickets. We didn't know the players were going to be, not really. We knew the Florida Marlins were going to be the parent club, but we didn't fully understand who the players were yet.

You have to understand where we were as baseball fans. The Maine Guides we our appetite for what minor league baseball in Maine could be like. Dan Burke was able to get people who had previously fought baseball in Portland to come together for the cause. get people EXCITED to create Hadlock Field. Get people excited for baseball in Maine. Dan Burke got that accomplished.

I remember vividly standing in line Opening Day. I was 2nd in line, see what kind of freak I am! My brother, furthest thing from a baseball fan, understood what was happening, and was excited to be there. Steve Buckley, now of the Boston Herald, was with NESN or NECN or some other entity, interviewed me about why it was important to me to be there. I explained being a Sox fan, being crushed the Guides left and how pumped and jacked I was to be here when baseball was reborn in Portland.

There are so many memories. I will never forget the day I brought my daughter to her 1st Sea Dogs game. I think I was more excited than she was, that was until Slugger came calling. Then it was on. How many games have I sat and watched with my little girl, watching pro baseball a mile from where I was born and where she was born.

What a spectacular 17 plus years. Thank you, Dan Burke. Thanks to you and the vision you had all those years ago. This baseball fan owes you a debt that can never be repaid. Rest in Peace.

Sea Dogs Fall in Season Finale 8-3

It was a disappointing end to a disappointing season for the Sea Dogs, as the New Hampshire Fisher Cats mashed their way to an 8-3 win in the season finale for Portland. The Fisher Cats collected 12 hits, including 2 home runs as they head into the Eastern Playoffs as the Eastern Division champion. The Sea Dogs on the other hand finish with the worst record in franchise history, a forgettable 59-83.

The Fisher Cats opened the scoring early, as Moises Sierra's ground-rule double scored 2 runs before Caleb Clay even recorded an out. John Tolisano would hit his 14th home run of the season in the second inning to knock out Clay without recording an out in the inning, giving New Hampshire a quick 5-0 lead.

Yohan Pino pitched well for New Hampshire. A 2-run home run by Jeremy Hazelbaker in the third was the only blemish on the scorecard. Hazelbaker's 12th home run of the season was one of the farthest hit by a Sea Dog this season, going over the L.L. Bean boot behind the bullpen in right field.

The Fisher Cats offense struck again in the fourth inning, this time off of Will Latimer. With the bases loaded and two outs, Yan Gomes lined a singled up the middle to score 2 more runs and give New Hampshire some breathing room and a 7-2 lead.

Anthony Gose drilled a solo home run to rt-center in the eighth inning to make it 8-2. Gose took his time admiring the blast, but there was no retaliation by Michael Lee, who gave up 8 homers on the season.

Oscar Tejeda gave the fans at Hadlock one last thing to cheer about with the Sea Dogs' season down to its final out. Tejeda smacked his 5th home run of the year just over the wall in left-center as the crowd roared in appreciation.

Clay picked up his 5th loss of the year, lasting just 1 inning, giving up 5 runs on 5 hits.

Pino picked up his 4th win of the year, going 6 strong innings. He gave up 2 runs on 4 hits, striking out 7 with no walks.

New Hampshire had 4 players with multiple hit games, led by Gose, who went 3 for 5 with 2 RBIs, 3 runs, and a walk.

Blake Maxwell pitched well in relief for Portland. He allowed just 2 hits and no runs in 3 innings of work. He got Mark Sobolewski to ground out for the 2nd out of the seventh inning to give him 600 innings pitched in his professional career.

The Sea Dogs home opener for the 2012 season is April 12th, just 220 days away.

Sea Dogs Out-FOXed by Senators 4-1

For the second night in a row the Sea Dogs starting pitcher had a solid outing. For the second night in a row that pitcher earned little run support in a losing effort. For the second night in a row the Harrisburg Senators beat the Sea Dogs 4-1. Adam Fox drove in all 4 runs and Daniel Rosenbaum dominated for 7 innings for Harrisburg.

Matt Rusch's second start of the season for Portland was much better than his first. After giving up 6 runs in 5 1/3 innings in his debut after being acquired from the independent leagues, the righty adjusted to the Double-A game. Three straight hits from the Senators in the second inning was the only real blemish for Rusch, but that was enough to give Harrisburg a lead they would never surrender. Archie Gilbert and Fox sandwiched singles around Tim Pahuta's double, with Fox's single driving in the first 2 runners.

The Sea Dogs would get one of those runs back in the bottom of the second. Reynaldo Rodriguez doubled on a dropping liner past LF Gilbert to lead off the inning. He would move to 2nd when Mark Wagner flied out to right. He would then score on a wild pitch with Dan Butler to give Portland its only run of the game in a most unconventional of ways.

Rosenbaum was both efficient and filthy in his 7 innings of work. He didn't allow multiple base runners until the seventh, when Alex Hassan and Rodriguez had back to back singles to lead off the inning. Rosenbaum would get out of the jam as expected, getting a fly out and a line out before setting Mitch Dening down swinging for his 8th and final strikeout.

Fox would strike again off Michael Lee in the top of the seventh inning. He smacked a 2-run home run just over the leaping arm of Jeremy Hazelbaker in center field. It was only his 4th home run of the season, and his 4 RBIs increased his season total to 19.


Rosenbaum improved to 3-0 in 4 starts in Double-A. His ERA dropped slightly to 1.37, as he has shown no signs of growing pains yet.

Hassan Pena pitched a scoreless ninth for his 8th save of the year. He allowed a lead-off single to Oscar Tejeda and had a strikeout.

Rusch pitched 6 solid innings, giving up 2 runs on 4 hits. He struck out 3 and walked 1, but a pitch count of 103 after 6 innings did him in.

The two teams face off in the series finale tomorrow at noon. Jeremy Kehrt takes the mound for the Sea Dogs and will face former major leaguer Oliver Perez for Harrisburg.

Pahuta Powers Senators Past Portland 4-1

Harrisburg starter Tanner Rourk had a no-hitter going against the Sea Dogs into the sixth inning before Ryan Khoury and Jeremy Hazelbaker hit back to back doubles to end the bid and give Portland the lead. The Senators tied the game up in the eighth inning off Sea Dogs reliever Blake Maxwell, then took the lead for good on a 3-run home run by Tim Pahuta later in the inning as Harrisburg won 4-1.

Roark made it through the Portland lineup twice without allowing a hit, and a walk to Alex Hassan and a hit by pitch to Jon Hee were his only blemishes. Then Khoury stepped to the plate with two outs and laced the Sea Dogs first hit over the 3rd baseman's head for a double. Jeremy Hazelbaker then hit a fly ball towards the left-field foul pole that dropped fair then bounced into the stands for an RBI ground rule double. Roark went from no-hitter to losing pitcher of record in two batters.

The reason Harrisburg couldn't score for most of the game was the outstanding pitching of Chris Balcolm-Miller. The righty scattered 7 hits over a season-high 7 innings, and didn't allow a walk until his second to last batter. Just to keep the theme going, Balcolm-Miller struck out 7 batters, all of them on a swinging third strike.

Balcolm-Miller's quality outing was wasted quickly in the top of the eighth, when Blake Maxwell continued his late-season fall. The first batter he faced, Josh Johnson, chopped a ball right towards him, and he threw it well past 1st baseman Jon Hee and into the stands, bringing Johnson to 2nd. Derek Norris then dropped down a sacrifice bunt to move Johnson to 3rd. Tyler Moore then singled up the middle to tie the game 1-1. After Maxwell walked a batter and struck out a batter, Pahuta smashed his 10th home run of the season into the pavilion seats in right field to give Harrisburg a 4-1 lead. Maxwell then gave up another single before getting Chris McConnell to ironically ground out to the pitcher to end the inning.

Corey VanAllen and Rafael Martin each took a turn making Sea Dog batters look foolish in the eighth and ninth innings to close out the game. Martin struck out the side in the ninth for his 12th save of the year.

VanAllen picked up the win, his 4th of the year. he finished off the seventh inning for Roark by getting Mitch Dening to strike out looking.

Maxwell picked up his 5th blown save of the year, and his record fell to 3-4.

Eammon Portice pitched an efficient ninth inning, getting 3 quick outs on 5 pitches, 4 for strikes.

Game 2 of the 3-game series is tomorrow at 6pm. Matt Rusch will be making his 2nd appearance of the season for Portland, and will be looking for his first win.

Wednesday's series finale will be at noon, with former major league pitcher Oliver Perez starting for Harrisburg.

Mets Give Extra Effort in Win Over Dogs

The fans got their money's worth as the Binghamton Mets beat the Sea Dogs 6-4 in extra innings in the Futures at Fenway game. Alex Hassan sent the game into extra innings with a game-tying 2-run home run in the 8th inning to make it 2-2. The Mets took hold of the lead again in the 11th and never looked back, as Kai Gronauer's 3-run home run off the light tower atop the monster highlighted a 4-run inning. Jon Hee made it interesting in the bottom of the inning, lining a 2-run single into right-center to cut the lead to 2, but Mitch Dening was called out on strikes to end the game.

The game started off as a pitcher's duel, as Portland's Charlie Haeger and Binghamton's Collin McHugh each posted shutouts through 6 innings. Haeger nearly made it out of the seventh inning before Binghamton jumped on the scoreboard. Haeger had Gronauer down 0-2 with 2 outs in the seventh before the Sea Dogs defense turned on him. A wild pitch moved the runners up a base, and Brahiam Maldonado then scored as catcher Dan Butler threw the ball into the outfield. Jon Malo then singled to score Allan Dykstra, making it 2-0. Josh Fields then came on in relief of Haeger and got Matt Den Dekker to strike out to end the inning.

Fields pitched well in relief, not allowing a run, while striking out 2 and walking 1.

Hassan brought the hallowed grounds to life in the eighth, driving a 3-2 fastball to dead center for his 11th home run of the year to tie the game. He was 3 for 4 on the game with an intentional walk and a line-out to left in the first that nearly dropped for a hit. For his effort, Hassan brought his batting average back up over .300 to .302.

Reliever Chris Martin made his Sea Dogs debut in the tenth inning. He ran into trouble quickly, giving up a lead-off double to Malo. Den Dekker then dropped down a sac bunt to move Malo to 3rd with only 1 out in the inning. Michael Fisher then hit a fly ball to shallow center that Jeremy Hazelbaker had to motor to get to, but was shallow enough to keep Male at 3rd. Reese Havens then grounded out to the end the threat.

Martin wasn't so lucky in the eleventh. Juan Lagares dropped a bunt down the 3rd base line for an infield hit to lead off. Lagares entered the at-bat 0 for 4 with 3 strikeouts. After Maldonado struck out, pinch-hitter Niuman Romero singled, moving Lagares to 3rd. Eric Campbell then singled home Lagares for the go-ahead run. Gronauer then gave the Mets some breathing room, crushing a no-doubter over the Green Monster in left for a 3-run homer. It was only his 2nd home run of the year.

The Sea Dogs didn't go down quietly in the bottom of the inning. Ryan Dent pinch-hit for Butler, and singled up the middle to lead off the inning. Hazelbaker then doubled to put men at 2nd and 3rd with no outs. After Oscar Tejeda grounded out to finish off an 0 for 5 night, Hee lined an RBI single into right-center to cut the lead to 6-4. Hee got a little greedy however, as he was easily tagged out trying to stretch his single into a double. Dening then unceremoniously watched strike 3 go past his resting bat, and the game was over.

It was the first time in 3 trips to Fenway that the Sea Dogs have lost. They won close games in 2007 and 2009, but were caught on the wrong side of the nail-biter in this one.

Haeger had a valiant effort on the mound for Portland. The knuckleballer lasted 6 2/3 innings, giving up 2 runs on 7 hits, with 6 strikeouts and 3 walks. He allowed a base-runner to reach in every inning, but thanks to his defense, found a way out of all but one of those jams. He threw 114 pitches, with 69 for strikes.

McHugh frustrated Sea Dogs hitters in his 6 innings of work. He allowed no runs on 4 hits, while striking out 6 and walking just 1 batter. If not for his high pitch count, he could have frustrated them even longer.

The two teams will head back to Hadlock Field tomorrow for the conclusion of the 3-game series. The Mets will be looking for the sweep, and to further distance themselves from the Sea Dogs in the race to avoid last place in the North Division standings.



Sea Dogs Manager Kevin Boles

Mets Mash to 10-1 Win Over Dogs

The Binghamton Mets combined strong hitting and dominant pitching en route to a 10-1 thrashing of the Sea Dogs. Jeurys Familia allowed 1 hit over 6 innings, and Brahiam Maldonado blasted a grand slam over the monster as the Mets took game 1 of a 3-game series.

Familia took advantage of a Portland offense that was without arguably its best hitter, as Will Middlebrooks was called up to Triple-A Pawtucket earlier in the day. The righty only allowed a 2-out single to Jeremy Hazelbaker in the third inning, and struck out 7 batters to pick up his 4th win of the year.

The Mets got on the scoreboard in the second inning, thanks to some friendly bounces. Maldonado reached on a fielding error to lead off the inning. He would steal 2nd and later score on an RBI single by Eric Campbell. Campbell would score on a sacrifice fly by Niuman Romero to give Binghamton an early 2-0 lead.

That second inning was the only trouble Miguel Gonzalez dealt with through his first 4 innings. In the first, third, and fourth, he set the Mets down in order. The fifth inning was a different story. Dusty Ryan doubled to lead off the inning. After Romero struck out, Matt Den Dekker walked and Jonathan Malo singled to load the bases. Gonzalez got Juan Lagares to pop out to end his outing with 2 outs in the fifth. Eammon Portice came on in relief, and was anything but, as Maldonado unloaded a pitch into the netting on top of the monster for his 24th home run of the season.

The Mets would add 2 more runs in the eighth, as Campbell and Romero doubled, and Den Dekker hit a sacrifice fly, plating 2 more runs to make it 9-0.

The Sea Dogs would end the shut out in the bottom of the eighth, as Jack Egbert couldn't close the deal. Hazelbaker legged out an infield single to 3rd to lead off. Alex Hassan would follow with a single of his own. Mark Wagner would then ground into a double play, but Hazelbaker was able to make it to 3rd. Reynaldo Rodriguez then hit a bouncer to short for an infield single that scored Hazelbaker.

Allan Dykstra led off the top of the ninth with his 17th homer of the year, as Blake Maxwell had a forgettable relief appearance. The usually-solid Maxwell gave up 3 runs on 6 hits over 2 innings.

Familia improved to 4-3 on the season, as he made the whole Sea Dogs lineup look foolish. He needed only 81 pitches to get through his 6 innings of work.

Gonzalez is still looking for his first win in a Sea Dogs uniform, as he falls to 0-5. He gave up 5 runs (3 earned) on 4 hits, with 2 walks and 4 strikeouts.

Den Dekker was the lone Met to not record a hit, but he did score a run and rive in a run as well.

Hazelbaker was the lone Sea Dogs to have a productive night at the plate. He went 2 for 4 with and scored Portland's only run of the game.

The two teams will head south tomorrow to play in the Futures at Fenway game at Fenway park. game time is 1:05. The Sea Dogs are 2-0 in their 2 previous trips to the Red Sox home park.




Sea Dogs Manager Kevin Boles

Portland Wins Battle of the Sea With 9-5 Win

It took the Sea Dogs bats 6 innings to wake up, but once they did, they didn't stop. Portland scored 8 of their 9 runs in the final three innings to rally past Erie for a 9-5 win. The Sea Dogs took 2 of 3 games from the SeaWolves, and tied the season series up 3-3.

Oscar Tejeda opened the scoring in the second inning, as he doubled off the wall in right to score Ronald Bermudez, who reached on an error. Erie would answer back in the top of the third, as Brandon Douglas singled home Jamie Johnson.

Charlie Haeger came into into his 4th start of the year with a 2-0 record. he was unusually wild today however, as he routinely got behind the count and issued 4 walks. He also had some trouble with catcher Matt Spring, as Spring had 2 passed balls. The first one led to Erie's first run in the third, and the second nearly led to another in the fourth. The knuckleballer really ran into trouble in the sixth. After getting Rawley Bishop to line out, he gave up a triple, a walk, and RBI double, and a sac fly to give Erie a 3-1 lead. He got Carl Iorg to ground out to end the inning on his 111th pitch of the game.

The Sea Dogs couldn't figure out Erie starter Casey Crosby, as Tejeda's double was the only hit he allowed through 5 innings. They caught a break in the sixth as Crosby left with an injury after giving up a single and 2 walks to load the bases. Tyler Stohr came on in relief and got two quick outs before Matt Spring tied the game with a 2-RBI double.

Josh Fields entered the game in the seventh inning for Portland, and he had a rough go of it to start. Fields gave up a lead-off walk to Johnson and a single to Douglas to put men at the corners. Justin Henry then hit a sacrifice fly to break up the tie. Two batters later Audy Ciriaco lined a double past 3rd base to score Douglas and make it 5-3 SeaWolves. Fields would get Deik Scram to strike out looking to end the inning.

Portland would rally in the bottom of the seventh, and never look back. Tejeda and Jon Hee led off with back-to-back hits to put runners at 2nd and 3rd. Ryan Dent would run the count full before hitting a sacrifice fly, scoring Tejeda. After Ryan Khoury struck out, Alex Hassan would walk fro the second time in as many innings to load the bases. Mark Wagner then cracked a 3-2 pitch over Johnson's head in center for a 2-RBI double, giving the Sea Dogs a 6-5 lead. Rob Waite would come on to relieve Stohr and promptly gave up an RBI single to Will Middlebrooks.

After Fields got a 1-2-3 inning in the top of the eighth the Sea Dogs would tack on some insurance runs in the bottom of the inning. Bermudez reached on an error for the second time in the game to lead off. Tejeda then walked to knock out Waite. Austin Wood came in and got Hee to ground into a double play to get outs at 3rd and 1st. Dent again would draw the count full, this time taking ball four for a walk. Khoury would then walk on 4 pitches to load the bases. Hassan was the hero this time, dropping a single into no-man's land in right-center to plate 2 more runs. After 5 innings of futility, the Sea Dogs had a 9-5 lead heading into the ninth inning. Blake Maxwell came on in a non-save situation and recorded 3 quick outs to end the game.

Fields picked up the win to improve to 2-0 since the deadline deal that brought him to the Red Sox organization. he had one rough inning, and one solid inning, and was aided by 8 runs of support while pitching.

Khoury and Bermudez were the lone Sea Dogs to not record a hit, but they both scored a run.

Hassan, Wagner, and Spring each picked up 2 RBIs, and they were all with 2 outs.

The Sea Dogs get a day off tomorrow before heading to Reading. The win was their 50th of the season.

Wolves Top Dogs With 4 Run Fifth

Miguel Gonzalez was having one of his best outings of the season. That is until things started to unravel in the fifth inning. The spot starter gave up 3 straight hits to start the deciding inning, ending an outing that started with 8 straight retired batters. The SeaWolves scored 4 runs on 5 hits in the inning and cruised to a 6-2 win.

The Sea Dogs offense struggled for the second time in 3 games, as L.J. Gagnier made the Dogs look foolish. After striking out 15 times on Wednesday, the Sea Dogs nearly matched that total with 14 punch outs tonight. The Sea Dogs #3 and #4 hitters, Mark Wagner and Will Middlebrooks each went 0 for 4 with 3 strikeouts.

Gagnier lasted into the sixth inning before he was taken out due to pitch count. Along the way he gave up 1 run on 3 hits, with 3 walks and 10 strikeouts. he threw 63 of his 101 pitches for strikes.

Gonzalez made the SeaWolves look just as foolish as the Sea Dogs offense through his first 3 innings. He struck out 4 of the first 6 batters he faced, then got 2 fly outs in the third before Bryan Holaday softly singled with 2 outs to break up the no-hitter. Erie finally got to Gonzalez in the fourth, as Brandon Douglas led off with a single and scored 2 batters later on an RBI groundout by Rawley Bishop. Gonzalez then got a groundout and a fly out to end the inning.

Gonzalez would not get out of a jam again in the fifth. He allowed the 7, 8, and 9 hitters to collect hits to lead off the inning, as Holaday's double scored Deik Scram for Erie's 2nd run of the night. Jeremy Kehrt came on in relief of Gonzalez, and promptly gave up a 2-RBI double to Jamie Johnson. Two batters later Justin Henry would bring home Johnson with an RBI single.

The Sea Dogs got a run back in the sixth as Gagnier began to fade. Alex Hassan led off with a triple, and scored 2 batters later on an RBI groundout by Middlebrooks. Ronald Bermudez would then draw a walk to knock Gagnier out of the game. Luis Marte came in and got Dan Butler to pop out to end the inning.

Erie would tack on another run in the seventh inning, but it could have been more. Holaday led of with a single that 2B Ryan Khoury just couldn't quite get to. Johnson then doubled to put men at 2nd and 3rd with no outs. Brandon Douglas then hit a fly ball to left field that Holaday thought was deep enough. However, Hassan's throw to home was on the mark, and Butler was able to force Holaday wide of the plate and tag him out before he could reach back towards the bag. Johnson would then score as Henry tripled to deep right-center to make it 6-1 SeaWolves.

Portland would match the lone run in the bottom of the inning as Hazelbaker led off with a double, stole 3rd easily, and scored on an RBI double by Khoury.

The game fittingly ended as Jon Hee struck out swinging on 3 pitches in the bottom of the ninth.

Gagnier improved to 4-5 on the season, and Marte picked up his 2nd save.

Gonzalez dropped to 0-4 and his ERA has now ballooned to 6.21. More importantly, he is okay after taking a line drive off his left arm by Scram in the fifth.

Gonzalez was efficient with his pitches, as 54 of his 69 pitches were strikes. 24 of those 54 strikes were fouls, as Erie batters had to fight off some quality pitches.

Hazelbaker made two nice defensive plays in his new digs in right field. In the second inning he made a leaping grab at the wall to rob Audy Ciriaco of an extra-base hit, and made a diving catch in shallow right to end the fourth inning.

game 2 of the 3-game series comes tomorrow night at 6pm. Alex Wilson will take the mound, looking for his 10th win of the season.


Sea Dogs Manager Kevin Boles

Sea Dogs Bats Hit Snooze Button in 3-0 Loss

Jeremy Hazelbaker started the bottom of the first inning by striking out. Nine innings later he ended the game by striking out. In between Akron pitchers picked up 13 more strikeouts for a total of 15, as the Aeros beat the Sea Dogs 3-0 in a slow-paced game at Hadlock.

Brock Huntzinger had one of his better outings of the season, but a high pitch count kept him from completing 6 innings. After giving up a lead off single to Jordan Henry, Huntzinger retired the next 9 batters before giving up a solo home run to Ben Copeland in the fourth. He got of a jam in the fifth, getting Karexon Sanchez to fly out to center after giving up his only 2 walks of the game. He got two quick outs in the sixth before giving up back to back infield singles to end his outing. Huntzinger gave up only 4 hits, the solo home run and 3 infield singles.

The Sea Dogs got runners to 3rd in both the first and third innings, but both rallies were ended by strikeouts thrown by Paolo Espino. Espino set the standard for Akron pitchers in the game, giving up no runs on 4 hits, with 7 strikeouts and just 1 walk. All 4 Akron pitchers struck out at least 2 batters.

The Aeros would score again in the seventh, as John Drennen hit a 2-out solo home run off of Josh Fields. It was Drennen's 4th home run of the season, and the first one given up by Fields since being traded to the Red Sox organization.

The third Akron run was not so conventional, to say the least. Cesar Cabral walked the first two batters in the top of the ninth. After Sanchez struck out, Henry dropped a bunt down the 3rd base line. Sea Dogs catcher Dan Butler got to the ball, saw no play at 3rd, so he fired towards 2nd, and promptly pegged Cabral in the head from point blank. The ball flew into shallow left, allowing pinch-runner Donnie Webb to score. Luckily Cabral was okay, but it was a not-so-bright moment in a game filled with such moments for the Sea Dogs.

Cory Burns came on to pitch the ninth for the Aeros, and wrapped 2 strikeouts around a Butler groundout. Burns now has 31 saves on the year in 33 opportunities.

Espino is now 6-0 on the year, and his ERA sits at 2.44.

Huntzinger dropped to 5-10, but could have had a much more positive outing if he had any sort of run support.

In a sad statistic for offensively futility, every Sea Dogs batter struck out in the game.

The Aeros will say goodbye to Portland for the season with tomorrow's series finale. Game time is set for for noon, with Portland's Chris Balcolm-Miller facing off against Akron's T.J. McFarland.

3 Sea Dogs Traded Away In 3 Team Deal

As part of a three-team deal that brings starting pitcher Erik Bedard and minor-league pitcher Josh Fields to the Red Sox, 3 Sea Dogs players have been been traded away. Outfielder Chih-Hsien Chiang, along with pitcher Juan Rodriguez from Single-A Greenville, have been sent to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Catcher Tim Federowicz and pitcher Stephen Fife have been sent to the Seattle Mariners.

All 3 players have been key cogs for the Sea Dogs this season. Chiang and Fife were both Eastern League All-Stars, and Chiang played in the MLB Futures Game as part of All-Star weekend in Arizona.

Chiang was leading the Sea Dogs in many categories this season, including batting average, RBIs, and doubles. His 76 RBIs were tops in the Eastern League. He leaves the Sea Dogs organization with a franchise record 72 doubles.

Fife leads the Eastern League in wins with 11. His 11-4 record was tops among Sea Dogs pitchers. In 103 1/3 innings pitched, he had 70 strikeouts and a 3.66 ERA.

Federowicz had a batting line of .277 average, 8 home runs, and 52 RBIs. He finished off his Sea Dogs career in style, going 2 for 4 with a home run and 2 RBIs in the Sea Dogs 8-5 win Sunday against the Altoona Curve.

Wagner Shines in Wet Sea Dogs Win

It didn't take Mark Wagner long to get reacquainted with Hadlock Field. In only his second game back in Portland since 2009, the Sea Dogs catcher had 2 big hits as Portland beat Altoona, 6-2 in 6 innings. Former major league knuckleballer Charlie Haeger picked up the win in his Sea Dogs debut.

The Sea Dogs got off to a quick start in the bottom of the first, giving Haeger some early run support. Chih-Hsien Chiang and Will Middlebrooks had back to back one-out doubles, with Middlebrooks driving in a pair, as the Sea Dogs led 2-0 after an inning. Chiang's doubles was his 36th of the season, tops on the team.

Haeger looked strong from the start, retiring 7 of the first 8 batters he faced before Yunesky Sanchez's infield single broke up his short no-hit bid. The light rain aided a lively knuckleball, as Curve batters looked foolish.

Wagner brought back old memories in the fourth, as he blasted a solo home run over the monster, receiving cheers like it was 2009. It was Wagner's first home run in a Sea Dogs uniform this year, and 5th overall.

Haeger's shutout bid was ended in the top of the fifth, as the Curve started to adjust to the knuckler. After getting two quick outs, Haeger gave up 3 straight hits, with Starling Marte's double bringing home Sanchez for Altoona's first run.

The Sea Dogs would give Haeger plenty of breathing room with a big fifth inning offensively. Jeremy Hazelbaker led off with a single, and moved to 2nd on his 18th stolen base in a Sea Dogs uniform. He would then move to 3rd on a ground out by Alex Hassan. Chiang would drive him home on a fielder's choice grounder. Hazelbaker beat the throw home, which went wide of the plate, allowing Chiang to advance to 2nd. After Middlebrooks grounded out, Wagner lined a double into the left field corner, bringing home Chiang. Tim Federowicz then singled to drive in Wagner, making it 6-1 Sea Dogs. Curve reliever Tim Anderson was knocked out after just 2/3 of an inning. Aaron Thompson came in and got the final out of the inning by getting Jon Hee to ground into a force out.

Andrew Lambo hit a solo home run over the high wall in right to round out the scoring. it was Lambo's 3rd homer of the year.

Thompson allowed a lead off single to Ryan Dent in the bottom of the sixth, but he was gunned down trying to steal 2nd. Heiker Meneses and Hazelbaker then flew out to the end the inning.

Junichi Tazawa was set to come on in relief of Haeger in the seventh, but light missed turned into a hard rain. After 30 minutes of rain delay, the game was called, and Haeger picked up his Sea Dogs win in his first try.

The righty allowed 2 runs on 7 hits in 6 innings. He struck out 4 and walked 1. He threw 96 pitches, with 63 for strikes. He showed flashes of why he made it all the way to the big leagues for the White Sox, Padres, and Dodgers from 2006-2010.

Wagner is now 6 for 18 since being called up to the Sea Dogs from Class A Salem. 3 of those 6 hits have been extra base hits.

Micahel Colla took the loss for Altoona, dropping his record to 4-8. he gave up 3 runs on 5 hits in 4 innings. He struck out 3 and walked 1.

The teams will be back at it tomorrow night at 6pm, when hopefully the weather will be a little more cooperative. Brock Huntzinger will take the mound for the Sea Dogs, trying to improve on his 5-8 record. Kyle McPherson will toe the rubber for Altoona, who is 4-3 on the year. After tomorrow's game, the teams will finish up their four-game series on Sunday with a 1pm start.

Seventh Isn't Heaven in Sea Dogs 7-4 Loss

A sloppy seventh inning by Portland defense broke a 3-3 tie, and the Altoona Curve pulled away for a 7-4 win. Eammon Portice took the loss in relief, as he faded in his third inning of work after striking out 4 of the first 5 batters he faced.

The Curve took an early 1-0 lead in the second inning. Andrew Lambo hit a lead-off double, moved to 3rd on a Tony Sanchez ground out, and scored two batters later on an RBI single by Quincy Latimore. Sea Dogs starter Michael Lee then struck out back to back batters to end the inning.

The Sea Dogs answered in the bottom of the inning, in turn taking their first lead of the game. Mark Wagner doubled in his first game at Hadlock in two years. He then moved to 3rd on a sacrifice bunt by Jon Hee. Oscar Tejeda then drove him home with an RBI single. With Jeremy Hazelbaker batting, Tejeda was caught stealing 2nd, as he has been much more aggressive in the base path in recent weeks. Hazelbaker then doubled to the gap on a play in which Tejeda would have easily scored. Heiker Meneses followed up with an RBI single up the middle, scoring Hazelbaker and giving the Sea Dogs a 2-1 lead.

Altoona tied the game up in the top of the third. Brock Holt hit a liner to left-center that Hazelbaker dove for, but it bounced off his glove for a stand-up double. Two batters later, Lambo singled home Holt to make it 2-2.

The Sea Dogs would pull ahead again in the bottom of the inning, as Alex Hassan led of with a double. He would score three batters later when Wagner reached on a throwing error by 3B Yunesky Solarte.

The Curve would again tie the score as Lee ran out of gas in the fifth. He gave up back to back singles to Yunesky Sanchez and Anthony Norman with no outs. After striking out Starling Marte he gave up an RBI single to Holt to end his outing. Portice came in and struck out Josh Rodriguez and Lambo to end the inning.

Portice was locked in in the sixth inning. After getting Tony Sanchez to hit a routine grounder to short, he struck out Matt Curry and Latimore, giving him 4 strikeouts out of 5 batters faced. After getting Yunesky Sanchez to strike out to lead off the seventh, the wheels came off for Portice and the Sea Dog defense. Anthony Norman reached on a fielding error by Meneses at short. Marte then legged out an infield single, beating the throw to first by 3B Will Middlebrooks. Holt drew a full count, and on what looked like should have been a called 3rd strike, Wagner threw to 3rd to gun down Norman. Except it was called ball four, and the bases were loaded. Rodriguez then hit a grounder to 3rd, and Middlebrooks threw it to 2nd hoping for a double play, rather then trying to get Norman out at home. The Sea Dogs could only get out Holt at 2nd, making it 4-3 with runners at the corners. Then With Lambo at bat, Wagner threw to 1st, trying to get Rodriguez in a run down. Hee threw back to home on the double steal attempt, and threw it wide of Wagner, scoring Marte. Portice got Lambo to strike out swinging, mercifully ending a nightmare inning for the Sea Dogs.

It didn't get any better for Portice in the eighth inning. He walked Tony Sanchez on 4 pitches to lead off the inning. Curry then drilled a fly ball off the top of the outfield wall in center for a 2-run home run, his 5th of the year. Cesar Cabral came in to relieve Portice, and retired the next 3 batters to end any further damage.

The Sea Dogs managed to get a run in the bottom of the eighth, digging into the lead they gave to Altoona. Hassan reached base leading off, as his grounder went through the legs of Curve SS Rodriguez. Chih-Hsien Chiang then bounced a grounder off Rodriguez' shoulder for a single that moved Hassan to 3rd. Middlebrooks then stepped to the plate with runners at the corners and no out...and hit into a double play. Hassan scored to make it 7-4, but it killed what could have been a momentum-swinging rally. Wagner weakly popped out to 3rd to end the inning.

Dening almost brought back the magic he had in the Sea Dogs last home game, when he hit a game-winning home run in the bottom of the ninth against Binghamton last week. After Altoona closer Michael Dubee got 2 quick outs, Hazelbaker walked. Meneses then singled to center on a full count to put men at 1st and 3rd. Dening also ran the count full, and got solid contact on the 3-2 pitch. however, there was no gust of wind out to center this time around, as Marte got under the fly ball at the warning track for the final out.

The loss was Portice's 6th of the season, as he allowed 4 runs (2 earner) in 2 2/3 innings pitched. He struck out 6 and walked 2 and gave up his 9th home run of the season. He does lead all Sea Dogs relievers in strikeouts, with 58.

Matt McSwain picked up the win in relief for Altoona. He threw 2 hitless innings with 1 strikeout and no walks. He is now 2-0 out of the bullpen.

Dubee pitched a tense ninth inning for his 6th save of the year. He lowered his ERA to 2.39, the lowest on the club.

Hassan was one of the lone bright spots for the Portland offense. he went 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored, and picked up his 26th and 27th doubles of the year. That total is 2nd on the team, behind only Chiang, who has 35.

Wagner's double was his first extra base hit since returning to the Sea Dogs. The Catcher played in Portland in 2008 and 2009 before making it all the way to AAA in 2009. After playing in Pawtucket for parts of two seasons before being designated for assignment in Red Sox spring training this spring. Wagner was once thought to be an heir-apparent to Jason Varitek in the Red Sox system.

The teams will be back at it for game 2 of a 4-game series with Altoona tomorrow night at 7pm. This is the only time Altoona will come to Portland this season.

Dening Walk-Off Dinger Gives Dogs 10-9 Win

With a stiff wind towards the outfield, there was a good chance that couple balls would fly out of Hadlock Field. No one expected there to be 7 of them, especially Mitch Dening, who's solo home run in the bottom of the ninth pushed the Sea Dogs to a 10-9 victory over the Binghamton Mets.

The talk before the game was not if there would be a home run, but how many would there be. The Mets hit 4 in the game, with the Sea Dogs tallying 3, but Dening's shot was the difference, as the pitchers in this game would like to forget this one.

Sea Dogs starter Brock Huntzinger put himself in a jam in the first inning, putting runners at the corners. However he got Dusty Ryan to pop out to end the inning.

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Binghamton starter Robert Carson did not escape the bottom of the first so easily. He allowed a lead-off walk to Jeremy Hazelbaker, and then a single to Ryank Khoury. A fly out to deep center by CHih-Hsien Chiang allowed Hazelbaker to advance to 3rd. He would then score as Carson's pickoff attempt of Khoury sailed wide of first, bringing in the game's first run.

Hazelbaker drove in the next run in the second inning, singling to shallow center to drive home Heiker Meneses. Hazelbaker was 1 of 8 players in this game to record multiple hits.

Huntzinger gave up the first home run of the game in the top of the third, as Allan Dykstra bombed a pitch into the 8th row of the pavilion seats in right field with two on and two outs. Huntzinger had struck out 4 straight batters before giving up back to back singles and the home run.

Khoury led off the bottom of the third with a home run that just cleared the wall in center, tying the game at 3-3. It was Khoury's 2nd homer of the year.

Huntzinger gave up solo shots in both the fourth and fifth innings, to Brahiam Maldonado and Matt Den Dekker respectively. Den Dekker would homer again in the seventh inning, with both of them leading off the inning.

Huntzinger was done after 5 innings, giving up 5 runs on 7 hits, with 6 strikeouts. All of the runs he gave up came on home runs.

Portland would push 4 runs across in the sixth inning to take back the lead. Dening led off with a single, and moved to 2nd when Meneses was hit by a pitch. After Hazelbaker struck out, Khoury singled to drive home Dening. Two batters later Will Middlebrooks launched a 3-run home run over the Monster in left, giving the Sea Dogs an 8-6 lead. It was Middlebrook's 12th round-tripper of the year.

After Den Dekker cut the lead to 8-7 in the top of the seventh, the Sea Dogs regained a 2 run advantage as Hazelbaker singled home Jon Hee on a grounder through the left side of the infield.

Blake Maxwell came on in relief in the eighth inning, looking for a 6-out save. he was greeted rather poorly by the Mets. He gave up a lead-off double to Raul Reyes, followed by back to back singles by Maldonado and Eric Campbell to push one run across. Niuman Romero then dropped a sacrifice bunt in front of Maxwell that he threw past Hee, scoring Maldonado and tying the game at 9-9. With the winning run at 3rd Maxwell got a strikeout, flyout, and another strikeout to end the inning.

John Lujan entered the game in the bottom of the inning and struck out the side, giving all the momentum to Binghamton. Maxwell made it interesting again in the ninth, loading the bases on 3 straight one-out singles. He would again escape a jam, getting Campbell to hit a weak flyball and Romero to groundout to keep the game tied.

Jon Hee looked like he might the hero to lead-off the bottom of the ninth. He got good contact on a 3-2 pitch, but landed it shy of the warning track for an out. Then Dening stepped to the plate, and he would erase any doubt as soon as he made contact. The crowd erupted in appreciation of the heroics, and Dening was mobbed by his teammates at home plate after he rounded the bases. With the win, the Sea Dogs took 2 of 3 from the Mets, and ended the homestand on a high note.

Lujan took the loss, his 3rd of the year, after Dening's blast was his only mistake.

Maxwell failed to get the save, but recorded his 2nd win of the season. It was not his finest outing by any means, but he got men out when he needed to.

The teams combined for 19 strikeouts, and 29 hits. The Sea Dogs pitching staff did not allow a walk, and Huntzinger's hit by pitch of Josh Satin was the only free pass.

Each team only had one batter fail to record a hit, as Romero went 0 for 4, and Oscar Tejeda went 0 for 5 for Portland.

With the win the Sea Dogs are now percentage points ahead of the Mets at the bottom of the North Division standings. The Sea Dogs are 38-58, and the Mets 39-59.

The Sea Dogs now head to New Hampshire for a 4-game weekend series against the Fisher Cats. They will then head to Binghamton for a 3-game series before returning home for a 4-game series against Altoona.

POST GAME AUDIO
Sea Dogs Outfielder Mitch Denning


Sea Dogs Manager Kevin Boles

Mets Get Moore in 7-2 Win Over Dogs

Brandon Moore shut down the Sea Dogs offense for six innings, and Brahiam Maldonado led the Mets bats in a 7-2 win over the Portland Sea Dogs.

Moore shook the cobwebs out in the first inning, giving up a lead-off triple to Jeremy Hazelbaker, and hitting Chih-Hsien Chiang with one out. However, as a telling sign for the Sea Dogs all night, they couldn't push a run across, as Will Middlebrooks flew out to left and Tim Federowicz struck out looking to end the inning.

Moore allowed a base runner in every inning, but it wasn't until his sixth and final inning that he allowed a run. He scattered 6 hits, and only gave up one walk, while striking out 4.

Binghamton meanwhile, had no problem finishing rallies. Back to back one-out doubles by Salomon Manriquez and Raul Reyes in the second gave the Mets an early 1-0 lead. They would double that lead in the third when Jordany Valdespin doubled to left-center, and advanced to 3rd when Hazelbaker misplayed the hit. He would then score on an RBI groundout by Josh Satin.

Portland starter Michael Lee only lasted 3 innings, giving up 2 runs on 3 hits, with 2 walks and 3 strikeouts. It was his first start since July 5th, which was also against the Mets.

Junichi Tazawa replaced lee, and was shaky in his first inning of work. He gave up a lead-off double to Manriquez. Reyes then dropped a sacrifice bunt down the 3rd base line that Tazawa got to, but threw wide of Jon Hee at first base, putting runners at the corners with no outs. Maldonado then hit a sacrifice fly to right to make it 3-0 Mets. After giving up a single to Eric Campbell, Tazawa would settle down and retire the next 10 batters.

The Sea Dogs finally got themselves on the scoreboard in the sixth. After Moore got two quick outs, Federowicz and Oscar Tejeda hit back to back doubles to make it 3-1. Mitch Dening then grounded out to end the inning, and the outing for Moore.

Binghamton would pull away with a big eighth inning, as they knocked around reliever Kyle Fernandes. Satin led off with a single and Allan Dykstra followed with a double to put runners in scoring position with no outs. After Dusty Ryan struck out, Fernandes intentionally walked Manriquez to load the bases. Reyes then hit a weak fly ball to Dening in right for the second out, giving Fernandes hope of getting out of the inning unscathed. Maldonado had other thoughts, as he lined a bases-clearing triple past a diving Dening. Fernandes then got Campbell to fly out to prevent any further damage.

The Sea Dogs gave the fans something to cheer about in the bottom of the eighth, even if it was not enough in the end. Chiang led off with a double to left-center, which broke the franchise record for career doubles. It was Chiang's 33rd double of the season, and 68th of his Sea Dogs career. The record was formally held by Brandon Moss. Chiang would be rewarded, scoring 2 batters later on an RBI single by Federowicz.

The Mets would score another run in the seventh for good measure, finishing off a forgettable performance by Fernandes.

With the win Moore evened his record at 7-7. he also lowered his ERA to 3.97 in the process.

Lee took the loss, dropping his record to 1-5. He only threw 52 pitches over his 3 innings, trying to increase his pitch count after spending time in the bullpen.

Save his first inning of work, Tazawa showed further improvement from Tommy John surgery. A perfect example was when he struck out Matt Den Dekker in the seventh inning on 3 pitches, with strike 3 being a filthy off-speed pitch.

The two teams will play the rubber game of the 3-game series tomorrow at noon. Brock Huntzinger is slated to take the mound for the Sea Dogs.

Middlebrooks Mashes in Sea Dogs 7-4 Win

Matt Harvey frustrated Sea Dogs hitters for 5 innings, tallying 9 strikeouts while only giving up 2 runs. The Sea Dogs let that frustration out on the Mets' relievers, as they scored 5 runs in the seventh inning en route to a 7-4 victory over Binghamton.

The Sea Dogs got their licks in on Harvey in the first inning. After Jeremy Hazelbaker struck out to lead off the inning, Ryan Khoury walked, and Chih-Hsien Chiang doubled to put runners at 2nd and 3rd. Will Middlebrooks then doubled to center to drive in a pair. Middlebrooks was then left stranded as Harvey settled down, and settled in.

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Harvey gave up two walks and a single to load the bases in the second inning, but struck out Chiang looking to end the threat. He would strand runners at 2nd base in both the third and fourth innings. In the fifth inning he would get his only 1-2-3 inning of the outing, but he finished strong, getting Middlebrooks and Tim Federowicz to strike out looking. Six of his nine strikeouts were on called strikes, as he mastered umpire Shaun Lampe's strike zone.

Alex Wilson was not as sharp as Harvey, but was just as effective at preventing runs. Wilson lasted 5 2/3 innings, while allowing a season-high 9 hits, but giving up just 2 runs. He struck out 6 and walked none, and finished off his outing by striking out Raul Reyes.

With Harvey out of the picture the Portland offense was able to wake up in the game-changing seventh inning. Heiker Meneses led off with a double high off the wall in right field that just barely stayed under the yellow home run line. Hazelbaker then dropped a sacrifice bunt down the 3rd base line, and reached safely when Jordany Valdespin couldn't handle the throw to first base. Menses scored on the error. Ryan Khoury then had quite the at-bat, as he fouled off numerous pitches before connecting on the 13th pitch for an RBI double. After Chiang flew out to right, Middlebrooks stepped to the plate and showed some muscle. He blasted a 2-run home run into the batters eye to straight center, a landmark that few can reach. It was Middlebrooks' 11th home run for the Sea Dogs, and gave him 4 RBIs on the night.

Two batters later Oscar Tejeda lined a 3-2 pitch past the shortstop to keep the inning alive. After stealing 2nd, he would score when Mitch Dening's grounder was misplayed by Valdespin and dribbled into shallow center field.

The Mets would make it interesting in the ninth inning, as they weren't content with giving the Sea Dogs an easy victory. After reliever Charle Rosario induced two fly outs to get two quick outs, Valdespin got some redemption with a single. He would then make it to third when Middlebrooks let a Josh Satin grounder roll under his glove. Allan Dykstra would then get his own redemption, knocking an RBI single into center field after striking out in each of his first 4 at-bats. Dusty Ryan would drive in two more with a single after a wild pitch advanced the runners. Sea Dogs manager Kevin Boles decided he'd seen enough, and brought in closer Blake Maxwell to get the final out. Maxwell needed just one pitch, as Salomom Manriquez hit a slow bouncer to 3rd that Middlebrooks gloved and fired to first for the final out.

Cesar Cabral picked up the win, his 2nd of the season, after pitching 1 1/3 scoreless innings.

Brad Holt took the loss, his 7th of the year, after giving up 3 runs on 2 hits in 1+ innings.

Middlebrooks went 2 for 4, with 4 RBIs and a run scored as he showed again why he is considered one of the top prospects in all of baseball. His play to get the final out of the game showed that he can also shine defensively.

Maxwell's one pitch earned him his 9th save of the year, as he has become a key cog in the Sea Dogs bullpen.

Michael Lee will take the mound tomorrow for Portland in the 2nd game of the 3-game series against Binghamton. He is just 1-4 with a 5.33 ERA this season.

POST GAME AUDIO
Sea Dogs Manager Kevin Boles

Dogs Claw Back, Beat Cats 10-6

The Sea Dogs looked dead in the water for seven innings. A game-tying double by Mitch Dening changed that, and the Sea Dogs kept going, scoring 8 runs in the 8th inning to rally past the New Britain Rock Cats, 10-6. Chih-Hsien Chiang had two home runs, including a 3-run shot in the 8th to give him a team-high 16 on the season.

Brett Jacobson made the Sea Dogs hitters look foolish until he left with a injury in the fourth inning. Chiang was the only batter to record a hit off the lanky righty, getting a single in the first and his first home run of the game, a 2-run shot, in the fourth. Blake Martin came on in relief of Jacobson and picked up where he left off. Martin pitched 3 1/3 innings of 1-hit ball, with 4 walks and 1 strikeout.

Portland starter Brock Huntzinger looked great at the beginning of the game, retiring the first 7 batters he faced, including 3 straight strikeouts looking to start the game. A solo home run by Deibinson Romero in the third seemed to knock him off his game. He gave up back to back doubles in the fourth, and a home run followed by 3 straight walks in the fifth to end his outing after just 4 2/3 innings. Cesar Cabral came on in relief and allowed a run-scoring walk and a 2-RBI single to give Huntzinger 5 earned runs on the night. That was the end of the New Britain offense on the night, however, leaving open a sliver of hope for the Sea Dogs.

The Sea Dogs managed only 3 hits in the through the first seven innings, swinging at many pitches up in the zone that led to fly outs or strikeouts. They then started to calm down and make the New Britain relievers work for outs. Deolis Guerra hit Will Middlebrooks with one out in the eighth, and then walked Tim Federowicz and Oscar Tejeda back to back to load the bases. Jon Hee then lined a single that ricocheted off Guerra and drove home Middlebrooks. Rock Cats closer Tyler Robertson came on in relief, but couldn't manage to end this game like he did the previous night. Dening stayed patient in his at-bat, staying away from breaking balls in the dirt, and dropped an RBI double into left-center. Ryan Dent then lined a single that landed just inside the 3rd-base line, bringing home 2 more runs, and suddenly Portland was out of the doghouse and in the lead. After Jeremy Hazelbaker ground into a force out, Alex Hassan drew a walk on 4 pitches. Chiang then hit what has become a common sight at Hadlock this season: a towering home run out of the stadium. It gave Chiang 5 RBIs on the night, the first time he has done that as a Sea Dogs, and only the 2nd time in his professional career.

Blake Maxwell came on to pitch the ninth, and made it interesting. He gave up a single and a walk before getting his first out. He then gave up another walk and a sacrifice fly to pull New Britain within 4 runs. he then got Michael Hollimon to ground out to first to end the game, and the comeback was complete. it was a complete 180 degree turn from last night's game, when the Sea Dogs committed 3 errors and lost the game on an error in the eighth.

Eammon Portice picked up the win in relief, while only throwing 7 pitches. he is now 3-4 on the season.

Guerra took the loss, and the Twins prospect is now 5-7 with a 7.49 ERA. Robertson picked up his 6th blown save, a night after getting his 10th save.

Chiang went 3 for 5 with 5 RBIs and 2 runs, and was the Sea Dogs only offense for much of the game. He now has 67 RBIs on the season, and bumped his batting average up to .323.

The Sea Dogs are now 36-55 on the season, and maybe tonight's win will start a late-season surge towards .500.

Stephen Fife will take the mound tomorrow against New Britain righty Bobby Lanigan. Fife will be looking for his team-high 11th win of the year.

Errors Early and Late Cost Sea Dogs in 5-4 Loss

A forgettable first inning got the Sea Dogs in an early hole and a key error in the eighth killed what was an exciting rally as the New Britain Rock Cats beat the Sea Dogs 5-4 in the first game after the All-Star break. Miguel Gonzalez allowed 2 runs on zero hits in the first, and Junichi Tazawa received some shaky defense as he was tiring in the eighth, as those were the tell-tale innings in the loss.

Gonzalez promptly started off the game by hitting Brian Dozier with a pitch. He would then walk the next batter, Chris Herrmann. Joe Benson then grounded into a force out, getting Herrmann out at 2nd, but putting men at the corners. The 2 runners would score 2 batters later as Yangervis Solarte ground out and Sea Dogs shortstop Heiker Meneses threw the ball away to first. Gonzalez got Evan Bigley to strike out to end the madness.

After getting a 1-2-3 inning in the second inning, Gonzalez ran into trouble again in the third. Dozier led off with a walk on a full count, and would steal second with Herrmann up. He would score two batters later as Meneses threw it away again. Chris Parmalee would also score when Solarte doubled down the first-base line.

Tazawa came on in relief of Gonzalez to start the fifth, and looked the best he has since Tommy John Surgery in 2009. He got out 10 of the first 11 batters he faced before hitting a wall in the eighth. He struck out 4 with no walks, making mutiple batters look foolish with a plus curveball. His velocity made it into the low 90's as well, showing Sea Dogs fans and Red Sox brass alike that he is making strides in a big way. However, after getting 1 out in the eighth the wheels came off. He gave up back to back singles to put runners at the corners. He then got Nate Hanson to hit a ground ball to 3B Ryan Khoury, but Khoury threw it over the head of 2B Oscar Tejeda, allowing Solarte to score the winning run. Caleb Clay came on in relief, and after walking the bases loaded to start, got a strikeout and groundout to end the inning.

The Sea Dogs got their offense from a pair of 2-run home runs in the fifth and sixth innings. With two outs in the fifth Meneses reached on an infield single. Jeremy Hazelbaker then drilled his 6th homer for the Sea Dogs off a fourth tier sign in right center.

The next inning Alex Hassan led off with a single. After Chih-Hsien Chiang struck out, Will Middlebrooks hit a game-tying round-tripper into the pavilion seats in right field. It was Middlebrooks' 10th homer of the year at Double-A.

But besides the 2 dingers the Portland offense couldn't finish off any rallies. They had runners stranded in each of the last 3 innings, including 2 men on in the bottom of the ninth.

Steve Hirschfeld pitched well to start the game for New Britain. In 6 innings of work, he gave up 4 runs on 5 hits, with 4 strikeouts and 1 walk. Discounting the 2 homers, he only gave up a single to Khoury in the first.

Andrew Albers picked up the win in relief, his first of the year. He had 2 hits and 2 strikeouts in 2 innings in his first appearance of the year with New Britain.

Tyler Robertson picked up his 10th save of the year, pitching the final inning for the Rock Cats.

Tazawa took the loss for the Sea Dogs. in 3 1/3 innings, he gave up the 1 run on 3 hits. His ERA sits at a even 10.00.

The two teams are back at it tomorrow night for game 2 of the 4-game series. Brock Huntzinger will be on the mound for the Sea Dogs, looking for his 6th win of the year. Brett Jacobson will start for New Britain, looking to improve on his 3-4 record.

Wilson Dominant in Dogs' 5-2 Win

Alex Wilson (Photo MESN)

Alex Wilson put together his finest outing of the season, going 7 strong innings without a walk in The Sea Dogs 5-2 win over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Wilson picked up his 7th win of the season and showed why he was deserving of his All-Star game selection. Three runs in the second and two in the seventh were enough offense for the Sea Dogs and Wilson, who have won 5 of their last 6 games.

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Wilson was dominant from the get-go, allowing only 1 hit through 4 innings while facing the minimum number of batters. When he did face adversity, like putting runners at the corners with one out in the fifth, he relied on his fastball to get batters out. Wilson's efficiency was aided by the fact he didn't walk a batter and didn't face a three-ball count until the last batter in the fifth.

Portland looked like it would score the game's first run in the bottom of the first, loading the bases on a single by Alex Hassan and two walks. However, Matt Spring couldn't resist swinging at the first pitch, and flew out to right to end the inning.

The Sea Dogs would get on the board an inning later, thanks to some solid hitting and some help from the New Hampshire defense. Oscar Tejeda led off the inning with single through the right side of the infield. Tejeda would make it to 2nd when Jon Hee bounced a pitch back to Fisher Cats starter Zach Stewart, who threw the ball into the dirt in front of 2nd, and Tejeda was safe. Mitch Dening then singled to left-center to drive home Tejeda. Jeremy Hazelbaker then singled to load the bases. Hassan ground into a double play, but Hee was able to score. Chih-Hsien crushed a double to score Dening, and it was quickly 3-0 Dogs.

The Sea Dogs made Stewart throw pitches in bunches early, racking up 65 in his first three innings of work. But after giving up a one-out double to Matt Spring in the third, he would get 11 straight outs to finish off his outing with 100 pitches.

The Fisher Cats would end Wilson's shut-out bid in the top of the seventh as Travis d'Arnaud blasted a solo home run over the monster in left field. It was one of the few mistakes Wilson made in seven innings of work. d'Arnaud was the only New Hampshire batter to really be successful against Wilson, getting 3 of the hits given up by Wilson.

The Sea Dogs would tack on two insurance runs in the seventh inning. Hassan walked on a 3-2 count with 2 outs. Chiang then lined a 3-2 pitch from reliever Matt Daly to left to put two men on with two outs. Will Middlebrooks doubled both men home with a drive deep to right to make it 5-1.

Kyle Fernandes came on in relief of Wilson, and after two quick outs ran into some trouble. He gave up a single to Callix Crabbe, who would score as the next batter, Justin Jackson lined a hit past the glove of a diving Dening for an RBI triple. Blake Maxwell came on and got the final out of the eighth by getting Mike McDade to fly out on the first pitch. Maxwell would pitch a 1-2-3 ninth for the save.

Wilson improved his record to 7-4, while lowering his ERA to 2.70, the lowest on the team for a starter. he allowed just 1 run on 5 hits, with 3 strikeouts and no walks.

Maxwell picked up his 7th save for the Sea Dogs, and his ERA sits at just 1.08.

The Sea Dogs offense was led by its 3 All-Star hitters: Hassan, Chiang, and Middlebrooks. They trio combined for 4 hits, with 2 runs, 2 RBIs, and 2 walks. Chiang's double was his team-leading 23rd of the season. Hassan picked up his 7th stolen base of the season in the first inning, which is 2nd on the team behind Hazelbaker.

The Sea Dogs finished the 8-game homestand at 5-3 by taking 3 of 4 from the Fisher Cats, who are in second place in the Eastern Division, 17 games ahead of the Sea Dogs.

The Sea Dogs now head out on the road for 8 games, 4 each in Binghamton and New Hampshire before the All-Star break.

POST GAME AUDIO
Manager Kevin Boles

Pitcher Alex Wilson

-WIL KRAMLICH-

Sea Dogs Slug Way To 12-5 Win, Split Doubleheader #redsox #portlandseadogs

The second game of the doubleheader between the Sea Dogs and the New Britain Rock Cats was a complete 180 of the first game. While the first game was a pitchers duel, the second game of the twin bill saw both teams bats come alive. Portland slugged out 12 runs on 14 hits, including a 7-run sixth inning. With the win, the Sea Dogs salvage a split of the doubleheader, and snap a six-game losing streak.

After going to extra innings to decide the outcome of the first game, the bats were anything but tired for the second. New Britain scored in the second inning to take an early 1-0 lead, as Nate Hanson led off with a single, moved to 2nd on a wild pitch, and scored on an RBI single by Deibinson Romero. It took Portland starter Michael lee 42 pitches to get out of the inning, a scary number for a team with little help in the bullpen.

Matt Spring homered for the Sea Dogs in the bottom of the inning, tying the game at 1-1. It was Spring's 3rd homer of the year for Portland, all solo shots.

Lee looked shaky to start the third, giving up 3 straight doubles as new Britain took a 4-1 lead. Lee was up to 74 pitches through 3 innings.

The Sea Dogs came storming back in the bottom of the inning, knocking out Rock Cats starter Blake Martin. Martin failed to get an out, sandwiching a hit batsman around two singles, and allowing Mitch Dening to score. Jake Stevens came on in relief and immediately gave up the lead. Alex Hassan crushed a 3-run homer off the message board to give the Sea Dogs a 5-4 lead. It was Hassan's 7th homer of the year.

Caleb Clay would come on in relief of Lee in the fourth inning with two on and two outs. He would get Evan Bigley to strike out looking to end the inning.

The Rock Cats would tie the game back up in the sixth, making a second extra innings game a possibility. Brian Dozier singled with one out and moved to third on a single by Yangervis Solarte. Chris Parmalee hit a fly ball deep enough to left to score Dozier, and tie the game up at 5 runs apiece.

The Sea Dogs were determined to end this game on time, blasting Stevens and then Michael Tarsi. Stevens a single, a sac bunt fielders choice, and an RBI double by Ryan Khoury to end his outing. Tarsi came on in relief, and was anything but. He intentionally walked Hassan to load the bases, then gave up a bases-clearing triple to Chih-Hsien Chiang, making it 9-5. He would then give up 3 more hits, and 3 more runs, before finally getting 3 outs.

Clay pitched a 1-2-3 seventh to finish off the game, and picking up a much-needed win for the Sea Dogs.

The righty reliever picked up his first win of the year with the Sea Dogs, going 3 1/3 innings, giving up just 1 run on 2 hits, with 3 strikeouts and no walks.

Lee had a no decision, lasting 3 2/3 innings, giving up 4 runs on 9 hits, with 1 walk and 2 strikeouts. He threw 88 pitches, with 55 for strikes.

All three New Britain pitchers gave up 4 runs, splitting the guilt evenly. Stevens took the loss, his 3rd of the year.

The 2 through 6 hitters did the majority of the damage for Portland. They accounted for 12 of the 14 hits, and all of the RBIs.

Dening had a solid doubleheader, combing to go 4 for 7 with 3 runs scored.

Leadoff hitter Jeremy Hazelbaker on the other hand, had a rough twin-bill. He went 0 for 8, with 3 strikeouts, but did score 2 runs in the second game.

The two teams play at noon tomorrow to finish off the series. Stolmy Pimentel will be looking for his first win of the season, as he faces off against Bobby Lanigan.

Romero Homer Gives Cats 2-1 Win In Extras #redsox #portlandseadogs

A game that started with a pitchers duel ended in extra innings, with Deibinson Romero and the New Britain Rock Cats getting the last laugh in game 1 of a doubleheader. Romero homered off Kyle Fernandes to lead off the ninth inning to give New Britain a 2-1 lead. Tyler Robertson set the Sea Dogs down in order in the bottom of the inning to end the game.

The story early on was a pitchers duel between Portland starter Alex Wilson and New Britain's Liam Hendriks. No batter got past 2nd base until the third inning, when Mitch Dening scored on a bloop single by Alex Hassan. Through 5 innings, the two starters combined to give up 1 run on 9 hits, with 8 strikeouts and only 2 walks.

It all unraveled for Wilson in the sixth, as his pitch count was mounting. After getting two quick outs, Wilson gave up a walk, a double, and another walk to load the bases. He drew a full count on Romero, but walked him to bring home the tying run. It was the 106th and final pitch for Wilson, ending a strong outing on a down note.

Portland had a chance to retake the lead in the bottom of the sixth, but a couple mishaps doomed them. Alex Hassan led off the inning by hitting a dribbler down the 3rd base line. Hassan held up thinking it was a foul, but it stayed fair and New Britain got an easy out. Chih-Hsien Chiang then singled to left-center, and instead of two on, none out, it was one on, one out. Vladimir Frias came on to pinch-run for a hobbled Chiang, and had a blunder of his own. Tony Thomas doubled to the right field corner, a play which Frias should have easily scored on, but he paused at 2nd before making it to 3rd. Tim Federowicz was intentionally walked to load the bases, with only one out. Oscar Tejeda popped out in foul territory and Jorge Padron grounded out to the pitcher to end the inning, and the score stayed tied.

In the bottom of the seventh, with a chance to walk off with a win, Ryan Khoury struck out looking on a borderline pitch to send the game to extra innings. New Britain reliever Deoils Guerra would strand Frias at 2nd with back-to-back strikeouts to end the eighth, setting the stage for Romero's heroics.

Fernandes first pitch of the ninth was crushed over the Monster by Romero, breaking the tie and killing the Sea Dogs spirit. Jeremy Hazelbaker grounded out with a man on to end the game.

Wilson's final line: 5 2/3 innings, 5 hits, 1 run, 5 walks, 5 strikeouts. He lowered his ERA to 2.82 and did not factor into the decision.

Hendriks lasted 6 innings, giving up 1 run on 7 hits, striking out 4, and only walking Federowicz intentionally.

Brian Dozier led New Britain with 3 hits, and Romero drove in both runs.

The Sea Dogs #9 spot had 3 hits, as Dening went 2 for 3, and Reynaldo Rodriguez had a pinch hit in the 9th.

Fernandes pitched 3 1/3 innings and picked up the loss, his 3rd of the year.

Guerra picked up the win, his 5th of the year, striking out 4 in 2 innings.

Tyler Robertson picked up his 9th save of the year, allowing just Rodriguez's single in 1 inning of work.

Cats Rock Tazawa, Dogs Lose 15-5

Junichi Tazawa did not have the start he was looking for (Photo Jeff Schools/MESN)

Pitching in Portland for the first time since 2009, there were many eyes on Sea Dogs starter Junichi Tazawa. Those eyes were quickly disappointed, as Tazawa was rocked, failing to make it out of the first inning. New Britain scored 8 runs in the first inning, and easily cruised to a 15-5 win in the opener of a 4-game series.

Tazawa looked nothing like the pitcher we saw in '09, when he starred for Portland and even had 4 starts with the Red Sox. A friendly floating curve doomed the righty, as he gave up 3 hits, 2 walks, and hit a batter, giving up 6 runs in just 2/3 of an inning. Reliever Miguel Gonzalez finished off the inning, but not before giving up 2 runs of his own. In all, 12 Rock Cat batters stepped to the plate in the first, making it very improbable for a Sea Dogs victory before they even got to swing the bat.

The Rock Cats would make sure the game was out of reach in the second inning, showing Gonzalez no mercy. Five of the first six batters of the inning recorded hits for New Britain, piling on 5 more runs to the lopsided score.

Chih-Hsien Chiang gave the home crowd something to cheer about in the bottom half of the inning, blasting a home run over the wall in right field. It was Chiang's 13th round-tripper of the year.

New Britain would score a single run in the fifth inning, this time off of Jeremy Kehrt. Brian Dozier led off with a single to right, and would score three batters later when Nate Hanson grounded into a double play. It was one of three double plays that the Sea Dogs induced in the losing effort.

Portland would score again in the sixth inning. Tim Federowicz singled off the monster with one out, then would move to second when Jon Hee singled up the middle two batters later. Federowicz would score on Jorge Padron's single, as Portland finally made Rock Cats starter Steve Hirschfeld look mortal.

New Britain's offense came to life again in the seventh, as the first four batters reached. Three runners crossed the plate in the inning, making it an astounding 15 runs for the Rock Cats.

Federowicz led off the bottom of the eighth with a home run over the monster, giving him 6 on the season. Ryan Khoury hit his first home run of the year, a 2-run monster shot in the ninth. Khoury's bomb nearly made it through the hole in the Sullivan Tire sign atop the wall, but fell just short.

Tazawa took the loss in his first Double-A start of the season. In just 2/3 of an inning, he gave up 6 runs on 3 hits, with 2 walks and a strikeout. He also had a hit batsman and a wild pitch among his 37 pitches.

Gonzalez lasted 2 1/3 innings, giving up 5 runs on 10 hits, with no walks or strikeouts.

Kehrt was the ironman for the Sea Dogs, lasting 6 innings in relief to help save the Portland bullpen. He gave up 4 runs (3 earned) on 5 hits, with 3 walks, and 3 strikeouts. He threw 80 pitches, with 52 for strikes.

Hirschfeld picked up the win, improving his record to 5-4. In 6 innings, he gave up 2 runs on 7 hits, with 2 walks and 4 strikeouts. He threw 63 strikes on 98 pitches.

Every New Britain starter got a hit, as Chris Parmalee's 7th inning single rounded out the hit parade. Every starter crossed the plate at least once, and clean-up hitter Evan Bigley was the only one not to drive in a run.

The Sea Dogs did get a home run off every New Britain pitcher, showing some power to please the roughly 4,000 fans in attendance.

The game was televised by NESN, as the Sox had an off day to make the long (sarcastic) trek from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia.

Sox owner John Henry was in attendance, and even took time to shake fans' hands for about half an hour at the gate.

The teams will play a doubleheader tomorrow starting at 6pm. Alex Wilson and Chris Balcom-Miller will take the mound for the Sea Dogs.

Jenks throws for #PortlandSeaDogs, Cats come away with 9-5 win. #redsox

Four swings decided Saturday night's game between the Portland Sea Dogs and the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.  Unfortunately, the Fisher Cats had three of them and took the victory 9-5, clinching the series by winning the first two of three games.  The Sea Dogs will look to avoid the sweep tomorrow afternoon.

Bobby Jenks got the start for Portland, making a Major League Rehab appearance.  The righty pitched a scoreless first inning.  He allowed a leadoff single to Adeiny Hechavarria, but Tim Federowicz threw Hechavarria out trying to steal second base.  Then, Jenks struck out Anthony Gose and got Travis d'Arnaud to fly out.

Almost all of the New Hampshire runs came late via the long ball.  The Fisher Cats homered in the sixth, seventh and eighth innings.  The three bombs lead to eight runs, the final eight scored in the game.  Yan Gomes cut a 5-1 Portland lead to 5-4 with a three-run shot off Stephen Fife in the sixth.  Mike McDade smacked a go-ahead two-run homer off Eammon Portice (1-3) in the seventh.  Then, d'Arnaud added a three-run insurance long ball in the eighth for the final margin.

The Sea Dogs snatched a four-run lead thanks to Chih-Hsien Chiang's second grand slam of the year.  It came with one out after New Hampshire starter Robert Ray loaded the bases with three walks.  One of the three went to Ryan Khoury who surpassed Jeff Corsaletti for the most free passes in franchise history with 137.  Oscar Tejeda also had an RBI single for Portland.

The Fisher Cats bullpen stonewalled the Sea Dogs offense for the second straight night.  Ronald Uviedo (2-2) and Yohan Pino combined to go three perfect innings to close out the game.  New Hampshire's bullpen has allowed just one baserunner  in the two games and hasn't given up a hit.

The Sea Dogs and Fisher Cats will wrap their three-game series tomorrow afternoon.  Portland comes back to Hadlock Field on Monday for the start of an eight-game, seven-day homestand against the New Britain Rock Cats and the Fisher Cats.  Monday night's game will be broadcast on NESN.  Tuesday night will be a doubleheader against the Rock Cats, with Breakin' B-Boy McCoy providing entertainment throughout the night.  For tickets, log on to www.seadogs.com or call 207-879-9500.
-PORTLAND SEA DOGS-

Dog lose 6 - 2 Thursday at Hadlock

The Trenton Thunder (41-31) avoided a series sweep by defeating the Portland Sea Dogs 6-2 Thursday night at Hadlock Field.  The win snaps a three game win streak for the Sea Dogs as Portland falls to 25-44 on the season.

The Thunder scored four runs on four hits, a walk, and an error in the fourth inning to take a 4-0 lead.  Jose Pirela got the scoring started with a RBI double.  Damon Sublett and Jose Gil each added a RBI single and DeAngelo Mack plated a run with a RBI ground out.  All of the damage came off Portland starter Chris Balcom-Miller (1-3) who suffered the loss.

Trenton starter Manny Banuelos did not allow a hit until the fifth inning when Matt Spring broke-up the no-hit bid and the shutout with a solo home run, his second of the year, to the Dunkin Donuts message center in left field.  Oscar Tejeda extended his season high hit streak to nine games with a bunt single and scored on Jeremy Hazlebaker's RBI single as Portland closed the gap to 4-2.

Banuelos (3-1) earned the win tossing five innings allowing two runs on three hits.  He walked one and struck out six.

Bradley Suttle added a two run double in the seventh off Jeremy Kehrt to extend the Trenton lead to 6-2 to complete the scoring.

Venditte pitched three scoreless innings of relief for Trenton scattering four hits and striking out four to preserve the Trenton lead.  Kei Igawa pitched a scoreless ninth to close out the game.

Alex Hassan and Spring were the only Sea Dogs with a multiple hit games.  Hassan was 2-for-3 raising his average to .330.

The Sea Dogs will not face the Yankees affiliate again this season, Portland finishes with a 5-12 against the Thunder in 2011.

The Sea Dogs begin a brief three game road trip to Manchester, New Hampshire on Friday at 7:05 PM against the Fisher Cats.  Right-handed pitcher Stolmy Pimentel (0-8, 9.42) will start for Portland.  The Fisher Cats will send right-hander Robert Ray (0-1, 5.91) to the mound.  The Sea Dogs will return to Hadlock Field for an eight game/ seven day homestand on Monday, June 27th at 7:00 PM.
-PORTLAND SEA DOGS-

Middlebrooks and Chiang make 2011 XM All Star Futures Rosters #redsox #portlandseadogs

Rosters for the 13th annual XM All-Star Futures Game were announced today by Major League Baseball.

Portland Sea Dogs 3B Will Middlebrooks was named to the USA squad, while OF Chih-Hsien Chaing was named to the World squad.

The XM All-Star Futures Game features many of the top Minor League prospects in baseball. The game will begin at 6:00 p.m. (ET)/3:00 p.m. (local) and can be viewed live on ESPN2, ESPN2 HD and MLB.TV. XM will provide satellite radio play-by-play coverage of the XM All-Star Futures Game on MLB Network Radio XM 89 in addition to its other comprehensive live coverage from Arizona. Taco Bell All-Star Sunday is the first of three days of All-Star events at Chase Field, culminating with the 82nd All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 12th.

Major League Baseball, in conjunction with the Major League Baseball Scouting Bureau, MLB.com, Baseball America and the 30 Major League Clubs, selected the 25-man rosters for each club, the U.S. Team and the World Team. Each Major League organization is represented and the World Team features players from 12 different countries and territories outside the 50 United States. Players from all full-season Minor Leagues were eligible to participate.

The XM All-Star Futures Game will last nine innings, and in the event of a tie, a 10th inning will be played. The game will not go longer than 10 innings, regardless of the score. Players and coaches will be outfitted in special XM All-Star Futures Game jerseys and will wear caps of their Major League organization with an XM All-Star Futures Game logo embroidered on the side.

The Minor League Baseball Umpires who will work the XM All-Star Futures Game are Ben May (home plate) of the Eastern League, Will Little (first base) of the Southern League, Jimmy Volpi (second base) of the Texas League and Scott Mahoney (third base) of the Eastern League.

Seventy-nine players have competed in both the XM All-Star Futures Game and the Major League Baseball All-Star Game. In 2010, a record 38 Major League All-Stars were alumni of the XM All-Star Futures Game, surpassing the previous mark of 28 set in 2009. Seven players – Adam Dunn, Neftali Feliz, Jason Heyward, Francisco Liriano, Evan Longoria, Ben Sheets and Geovany Soto – appeared in the XM All-Star Futures Game and were named to the All-Star Game in the following season.

Tickets are still available for purchase for the XM All-Star Futures Game and Taco Bell All-Star Legends and Celebrity Softball Game by visiting www.allstargame.com, calling 1-888-326-3378 or visiting the Diamondbacks box office at Chase Field.

The 82nd Major League Baseball All-Star Game will be televised nationally by FOX Sports, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and Sportsnet HD and Le Reseau des Sports, and around the world by Major League Baseball International, with pregame ceremonies beginning at 8:00 p.m. (ET)/5:00 p.m. (local). ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide exclusive national radio coverage of the 2011 Midsummer Classic, while MLB Network, MLB.com and Sirius XM will provide additional All-Star Game coverage. Sirius XM will provide satellite radio play-by-play coverage of the XM All-Star Futures Game, ESPN Radio’s coverage of the State Farm Home Run Derby and the 82nd All-Star Game, plus live pregame and postgame talk programs from all three events.

U.S. Team Roster



Pitchers (10)

Player (Organization) Bats-Throws HT WT Birthdate Birthplace Current Team (League/Level)

Cosart, Jarred (Phillies) R-R 6-3 180 5/25/1990 League City, TX Clearwater Threshers (Florida State League/A)

Gibson, Kyle (Twins) R-R 6-6 210 10/23/1987 Greenfield, IN Rochester Red Wings (International League/AAA)

Harvey, Matt (Mets) R-R 6-4 210 3/27/1989 New London, CT Binghamton Mets (Eastern League/AA)

Miller, Shelby (Cardinals) R-R 6-3 195 10/10/1990 Houston, TX Springfield Cardinals (Texas League/AA)

Moore, Matt (Rays) L-L 6-2 205 6/18/1989 Fort Walton Beach, FL Montgomery Biscuits (Southern League/AA)

Peacock, Brad (Nationals) R-R 6-1 175 2/02/1988 Miami, FL Harrisburg Senators (Eastern League/AA)

Pomeranz, Drew (Indians) R-L 6-5 230 11/22/1988 Memphis, TN Kinston Indians (Carolina League/A)

Skaggs, Tyler (D’Backs) L-L 6-4 195 7/13/1991 Woodland Hills, CA Visalia Rawhide (California League/A)

Thornburg, Tyler (Brewers) R-R 5-11 185 9/29/1988 Houston, TX Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (Midwest League/A)

Turner, Jacob (Tigers) R-R 6-5 210 5/21/1991 St. Charles, MO Erie SeaWolves (Eastern League/AA)


Catchers (2)

Player (Organization) Bats/Throws HT WT Birthdate Birthplace Current Team (League/Level)

Mesoraco, Devin (Reds) R-R 6-1 220 6/19/1988 Dubois, PA Louisville Bats (International League/AAA)

Romine, Austin (Yankees) R-R 6-0 220 11/22/1988 Lake Forest, CA Trenton Thunder (Eastern League/AA)



Infielders (8)

Player (Organization) Bats/Throws HT WT Birthdate Birthplace Current Team (League/Level)

Arenado, Nolan (Rockies) R-R 6-1 205 4/16/1991 Newport Beach, CA Modesto Nuts (California League/A)

d’Arnaud, Chase (Pirates) R-R 6-1 200 1/21/1987 Torrance, CA Indianapolis Indians (International League/AAA)

Darnell, James (Padres) R-R 6-2 195 1/19/1987 Fresno, CA San Antonio Missions (Texas League/AA)

Goldschmidt, Paul (D’Backs) R-R 6-3 245 9/10/1987 Wilmington, DE Mobile BayBears (Southern League/AA)

Green, Grant (Athletics) R-R 6-3 180 9/27/1987 Fullerton, CA Midland Rockhounds (Texas League/AA)

Kipnis, Jason (Indians) L-R 5-11 185 4/03/1987 Evanston, IL Columbus Clippers (International League/AAA)

Machado, Manny (Orioles) R-R 6-3 185 7/06/1992 Miami, FL Frederick Keys (Carolina League/A)

Middlebrooks, Will (Red Sox) R-R 6-4 200 9/09/1988 Greenville, TX Portland Sea Dogs (Eastern League/AA)



Outfielders (5)

Player (Organization) Bats/Throws HT WT Birthdate Birthplace Current Team (League/Level)

Brown, Gary (Giants) R-R 6-1 190 9/28/1988 Diamond Bar, CA San Jose Giants (California League/A)

Harper, Bryce (Nationals) L-R 6-3 225 10/16/1992 Las Vegas, NV Hagerstown Suns (South Atlantic League/A)

Myers, Wil (Royals) R-R 6-3 205 12/10/1990 High Point, NC NW Arkansas Naturals (Texas League/AA)

Szczur, Matthew (Cubs) R-R 6-1 195 7/20/1989 Cape May, NJ Peoria Chiefs (Midwest League/A)

Trout, Mike (Angels) R-R 6-1 200 8/07/1991 Vineland, NJ Arkansas Travelers (Texas League/AA)













World Roster



Pitchers (10)

Player (Organization) Bats/Throws HT WT Birthdate Birthplace Current Team (League/Level)

Alvarez, Henderson (Blue Jays) R-R 6-1 195 4/18/1990 Valencia, Venezuela New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Eastern League/AA)

Hendriks, Liam (Twins) R-R 6-1 190 2/10/1989 Perth, Australia New Britain Rock Cats (Eastern League/AA)

Herrera, Kelvin (Royals) R-R 5-10 162 12/31/1989 Tenares, D.R. NW Arkansas Naturals (Texas League/AA)

Infante, Gregory (White Sox) R-R 6-2 215 7/10/1987 Caracas, Venezuela Charlotte Knights (International League/AAA)

Marinez, Jhan (Marlins) R-R 6-1 165 8/12/1988 Santo Domingo, D.R. Jacksonville Suns (Southern League/AA)

Martinez, Carlos (Cardinals) R-R 6-0 165 9/21/1991 Colinas Del Sur, D.R. Quad Cities River Bandits (Midwest League/A)

Paxton, James (Mariners) L-L 6-4 220 11/06/1988 Richmond, B.C., Canada Clinton Lumberkings (Midwest League/A)

Perez, Martin (Rangers) L-L 6-0 178 04/04/1991 Guanare Estado Portuquesa, Ven. Frisco Roughriders (Texas League/AA)

Teheran, Julio (Braves) R-R 6-2 175 1/27/1991 Cartagena, Colombia Gwinnett Braves (International League/AAA)

Vizcaino, Arodys (Braves) R-R 6-0 190 11/13/1990 Yaguate, D.R. Mississippi Braves (Southern League/AA)



Catchers (2)

Player (Organization) Bats/Throws HT WT Birthdate Birthplace Current Team (League/Level)

Rosario, Wilin (Rockies) R-R 5-11 200 2/23/1989 Bonao, D.R. Tulsa Drillers (Texas League/AA)

Valle, Sebastian (Phillies) R-R 6-1 170 7/24/1990 Los Mochis, Mexico Clearwater Threshers (Florida State League/A)



Infielders (8)

Player (Organization) Bats/Throws HT WT Birthdate Birthplace Current Team (League/Level)

Alonso, Yonder (Reds) L-R 6-2 240 4/08/1987 Havana, Cuba Louisville Bats (International League/AAA)

Altuve, Jose (Astros) R-R 5-7 170 5/06/1990 Maracay, Venezuela Corpus Christi Hooks (Texas League/AA)

Marte, Jefry (Mets) R-R 6-1 187 6/21/1991 La Romana, D.R. St. Lucie Mets (Florida State League/A)

Martinez, Francisco (Tigers) R-R 6-1 180 9/01/1990 Rio Chico, Venezuela Erie SeaWolves (Eastern League/AA)

Lee, Hak-Ju (Rays) L-R 6-2 170 11/04/1990 Jeonju, South Korea Charlotte Stone Crabs (Florida State League/A)

Liddi, Alex (Mariners) R-R 6-4 230 8/14/1988 San Remo, Italy Tacoma Rainiers (Pacific Coast League/AAA)

Profrar, Jurickson (Rangers) S-R 5-11 165 2/20/1993 Willemstad, Curacao Hickory Crawdads (South Atlantic League/A)

Schoop, Jonathan (Orioles) R-R 6-1 187 10/16/1991 Willemstad, Curacao Frederick Keys (Carolina League/A)



Outfielders (5)

Player (Organization) Bats/Throws HT WT Birthdate Birthplace Current Team (League/Level)

Chiang, Chih-Hsien (Red Sox) L-R 6-2 170 2/21/1988 Taitung, Taiwan Portland Sea Dogs (Eastern League/AA)

Fuentes, Reymond (Padres) L-L 6-0 160 2/12/1991 Orlando, FL (HS in Puerto Rico) Lake Elsinore Storm (California League/A)

Marte, Starling (Pirates) R-R 6-1 170 10/09/1988 Santo Domingo, D.R. Altoona Curve (Eastern League/AA)

Silverio, Alfredo (Dodgers) R-R 6-0 205 5/06/1987 La Romana, D.R. Chattanooga Lookouts (Southern League/AA)

Viciedo, Dayan (White Sox) R-R 5-11 230 3/10/1989 Villa Clara, Cuba Charlotte Knights (International League/AAA)