Sea Dogs Fall to B-Mets 5-1 in Home Opener

Juan Carlos Linares got the Sea Dogs started off on the right foot, hitting the first pitch he saw from the lead-off spot for a home run, but the Dogs' bats did little after that. Collin McHugh pitched into the 7th inning for the Binghamton Mets, as they spoiled the Sea Dogs home opener with a 5-1 win.

Portland starter Brock Huntzinger got two quick outs in the top of the first, but ran into trouble after that. The righty gave up 2 hits and 2 walks to the next four batters as the Mets held an early 2-0 lead.

Linares sought to get the Sea Dogs offense rolling early, knocking the first pitch he saw just over the wall in center. The Dogs would load the bases after 3 of the next 4 batters collected singles, but McHugh shut the door to end the rally.

McHugh settled down the rest of the way, allowing only three baserunners over the next 5 innings before being pulled with two outs in the 7th with 2 men on.

The mets got to Huntzinger again in the 3rd inning, as Josh Rodriguez' 2-run double finished off a 3-run inning for Binghamton. Huntzinger would only last four innings before being pulled with 71 pitches thrown.

Jeremy Kehrt pitched beautifully in relief of Huntzinger. The righty reliever allowed just one hit over four innings, while striking out 5 and walking 2.

There was some bright spots for the Sea Dogs, as 3 of their young prospects all collected hits. Derrik Gibson picked up a single in only his second game of the year, and Bryce Brentz and Kolbrin Vitek also picked up hits. All 3 players are in the Top 25 prospects in the Red Sox organization.

The win was McHugh's first of the season, as he went 6.2 innings, allowing just 1 run on 7 hits, with 6 strikeouts and no walks.

Huntzinger fell to 0-2 and has a robust 11.57 ERA after just two outings.

The second game of the series is tomorrow night as Left-hander Chris Hernandez looks to get the Sea Dogs their second win of the season.


Sea Dogs Manager Kevin Boles