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.
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.
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.
The Boston Red Sox announced details today for the sixth annual Futures at Fenway presented by Xfinity minor league doubleheader that is scheduled for Saturday, August 20 at Fenway Park. Similar to the five previous events, family-friendly ticket and concession prices along with kid-friendly activities will highlight this day of minor league fun at America’s Most Beloved Ballpark.
After a one year absence, the Red Sox Double-A affiliate, the Portland Sea Dogs will return to take part in the 2011 Futures at Fenway. They will be joined by the Pawtucket Red Sox, Boston’s Triple-A affiliate in the International League. Portland will face off against the Binghamton Mets (Double-A affiliate of the New York Mets Organization) in the first game at 1:05 p.m. while Pawtucket will battle the Syracuse Chiefs (Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals Organization) in the second game of the doubleheader.
Kids attending the event will be selected randomly throughout the day to participate in a number of exciting activities including mascot races and other on-field activities. Additionally, youngsters will be able to get autographs from the players during autograph sessions scheduled on the Big Concourse.
Tickets will be available for fans to sit in ballpark locations many have never before had the chance to enjoy, such as the Green Monster Seats, on the Right Field Roof Deck, in the Dugout Seats, and EMC Club and State Street Pavilion. For the fifth consecutive year, prices will start as low as $5.00 (for Bleacher seats) and range up to just $30.00 (for Green Monster Seats, Dugout Seats, the EMC Club and the State Street Pavilion Club). In addition, discounted concession items will be available for fans attending Futures at Fenway.
Fans who purchased tickets to the 2010 Futures at Fenway rain-shortened doubleheader will have a special pre-sale opportunity beginning at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, February 8 via the internet at www.redsox.com or by calling (877) REDSOX-9. Those fans will be contacted directly via email with further details on the purchasing process. Additionally, tickets purchased during the pre-sale will be loaded with value for use at concession stands on August 20. Tickets priced at $5.00 and $10.00 will receive a loaded value of $5.00 and tickets priced at $20.00 and $30.00 will have a loaded value of $10.00 added to them. This exclusive loaded value opportunity will only be available to the 2010 Futures at Fenway ticket purchasers who take part in the pre-sale.
Red Sox season ticket holders, members of Red Sox Nation and members of Red Sox Kid Nation presented by Hood will also have an advanced opportunity to purchase tickets. Those fans will be contacted over the next few days.
Tickets go on sale to the general public Saturday, February 12. Fans can visit www.redsox.com or call (877) REDSOX-9 beginning at 10:00 a.m. Fans with disabilities may also call (877) REDSOX-9 to purchase accessible seating. The Red Sox' TTY number for hearing-impaired fans is (617) 226-6644.
--RED SOX COMMUNICATIONS--
Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino originally approached the Red Sox five years ago with the idea to host minor league games at Fenway Park.
“Events like Futures at Fenway reflect the team’s commitment to creating opportunities for more fans to experience America’s Most Beloved Ballpark,” said Red Sox President/CEO Larry Lucchino. “Thanks to the suggestion of Mayor Menino, the generous support of presenting sponsor Xfinity, and the family-friendly ticket prices, this summer many of our fans will enjoy a relaxing day of minor league fun at Fenway watching the franchise’s future stars in action.”
Although records are incomplete, the games in 2006 are believed to be the first minor league games played at Fenway Park since the 1977 Eastern League All-Star Game. The last known regular season minor league game played at Fenway had been a 1966 Eastern League contest between Pittsfield (Red Sox) and Pawtucket (Indians).
ALEX WILSON DIDN'T QUITE HAVE IT TONIGHT (PHOTO JEFF SCHOOLS)
OFFICIAL PORTLAND SEA DOGS GAME WRAP
The Binghamton Mets scored once in the first, twice in the second, and three times in the third on Wednesday night to defeat the Portland Sea Dogs 6-5 at Hadlock Field.
The six runs in the first three innings proved to be just enough for the B-Mets despite the Portland bullpen working 7.0 scoreless innings while the offense battled to score three runs in the final three innings to close within a run.
Binghamton jumped on top early after Josh Satin hit a solo shot over the Maine Monster in the first to give the B-Mets a 1-0 lead.
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.
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.
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.
Stephen Fife went 6 solid shutout innings, leaving the game with a 7 - 0 lead. He allowed 7 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks and 6 strike outs. Fife's ERA dropped to 3.26. Eammon Portice allowed the only 2 runs the Mets would get, and Jason Rice closed the game for the Sea Dogs win.
Jose Iglesias has developed into the offensive star of the team, going 3 - 5 with 5 RBIs. Iglesias is now hitting .326. Iglesias also was a wizard with the glove Ryan Kalish hit his team leading 5th home run off Mets pitcher Scott Shaw.
PORTLAND SEA DOGS WRAP UP
Stephen Fife (2-1) hurled six scoreless innings and Jose Iglesias drove in a career-high 5 runs as the Portland Sea Dogs (18-12) thrashed the Binghamton Mets (19-13), 7-2 on Tuesday night at Hadlock Field in front of 3,462.
The Binghamton Mets continue to pound the ball all over the field, nailing the Sea Dogs for 13 hits and 9 runs. The Sea Dogs had chances but were just 2 - 12 with runners in scoring position. The Dogs left 7 men on base.
The Mets left 6 men on base but were 7 - 14 with runners in scoring position. Zack Lutz and Carlos Guzman had 3 hits apiece for the Mets.
Game Wrap Courtesy Portland Sea Dogs
A night after the Sea Dogs were able to quiet the bats of Binghamton, the B-Mets bats woke up and shook the ‘Dogs.
Sea Dogs starter and top Red Sox prospect Casey Kelly picked up the start and ran in to trouble right away, but the 20 year old responded well. After a 39 pitch first inning looked like it could throw Kelly’s night off, he responded by striking out the side in the second inning. A double from Zach Lutz in the third inning chased him out of the game, and overall, Kelly, who recorded his first loss (0-1) went two and a third, giving up 3 earned runs, 5 hits, striking out 3.
The B-Mets jumped on Kelly early. Kurt Nieuwenhuis singled and stole second base. After a Jose Coronado groundout advanced Nieuwenhuis to third, Lucas Duda ripped single to centerfield, giving the Mets an early 1-0 lead.
The Mets struck again in the inning, after catcher Luke Montz drove a deep fly ball to Ryan Kalish who was able to make a very difficult catch, but allowed Lucas Duda to get the second run of the inning.
Luke Montz continued to be a pain to Sea Dogs pitching in the third inning as well. After a double, Zach Lutz advanced to third on a wild pitch by Eammon Portice. Luke Montz struck a single, which gave Binghamton a 3-0 lead.
Eammon Portice found plenty of trouble in the fifth inning. Duda and Lutz started off the inning with singles. After a D.J. Wabick pop out, Luke Montz came to the plate and doubled the Portice offering which plated Duda. Up next was Carlos Guzman, who, like Montz, nailed a double which scored two runs (Lutz and Montz), giving the Mets a 6-0 lead. Portice went two and two thirds of an inning, giving up six hits and three runs.
Eddie Kunz, who picked up the victory (2-2), had a solid start Binghamton, but battled control issues the entire night. He was able to get out of jams in the top of the fourth and fifth, innings where the first two Sea Dog batters got on base.
Kunz was pulled after five plus innings after loading the bags. He was replaced by Jose De La Torre, who uncorked a wild pitched that scored Jason Place, giving the Sea Dogs their first run of the night. De La Torre then walked in Nate Spears. De La Torre’s night did not get any easier, as a Che-Hsuan Lin single drove in Ray Chang, making it 6-3 Mets. Lin’s single chased De La Torre, who did not record an out.
De La Torre was promptly replaced by Roy Merritt, who was able to navigate his way out of the inning without giving up a run. He came out for the seventh inning as well and pitched a clean frame.
T.J. Large entered the game after Eammon Portice, but made a very costly mistake. With Kirk Nieuwenhaus and Lucas Duda on the bases, Large gave up the gopher ball to Zach Lutz, which gave the Mets a 9-3 lead. Large went two innings, giving up three runs on two hits.
Santo Luis, who earlier in the road trip was designated for assignment and cleared waivers, returned to the Sea Dogs and relived Large.
Portland splits the series with the Mets, and have an off day tomorrow. They return to action Friday against New Britain.
