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.

Sixth Inning Sinks Sea Dogs, Lose 4-1

A day after the Sea Dogs offense scored 15 runs on 17 hit, they could only manage 1 run, as they grounded into 4 double plays en route to a loss. New Britain scored 3 runs in the top of the 6th to take the lead for good, winning the rubber game of the series, 4-1.

In a Mother's Day matinee at Hadlock field, the fans on hand were in for a pitchers duel early on. Portland starter Alex Wilson struck out 4 of the first 6 batters he faced, as the Rock Cat hitters couldn't figure him out. Bobby Lanigan similarly mastered the Sea Dogs, stranding runners at 3rd in the first and third innings.

The Sea Dogs got on the board first, finally solving Lanigan in the fifth. Oscar Tejeda singled up the middle to lead off the inning. Jorge Padron then walked on 4 pitches to move Tejeda to 2nd. Jon Hee's sacrifice bunt moved both runners up a base with one out. Che-Hsuan Lin then grounded to short to score Tejeda and move Padron to 3rd. Tim Federowicz then struck out swinging to end the inning.

The lead didn't last long for the Sea Dogs, and neither did Wilson in the sixth. Michael Hollimon doubled to deep right to lead off the inning. Wilson got Chris Herrmann to pop out to 2nd, and that was it for the Portland starter. Manager Kevin Boles lifted Wilson after throwing 85 pitches, replacing him with Caleb Clay. Clay hit the first batter he faced, Joe Benson. Chris Parmalee then singled to center, scoring Hollimon, to tie the game. Benson moved to 3rd on a fielding error by Lin, and Parmalee moved to 2nd. Clay then hit Evan Bigley for his 2nd hit batsmen of the inning, loading the bases. With Yangervis Solarte batting, Clay threw a wild pitch, scoring Benson, and moving the runners up. Solarte then grounded out to score Parmalee. With two outs, Clay got Deibinson Romero to pop out to Padron in foul territory to finally end the inning.

The Rock Cats would add an insurance run in the seventh, as Dan Rohlfing scored on Herrmann's 2-out RBI single. The Rock Cats had a chance to score more runs, but Lin made a sliding catch with runners at 2nd and 3rd to end the inning.

The Sea Dogs would go 3 up, 3 down in the final four innings, hitting into inning-ending double plays in the 7th and 8th. Another double play would kill any chance of a rally in the 9th. It was a drastic change from yesterday for the Sea Dogs, who had every bounce go their way in a Saturday win.

Lanigan picked up his 3rd win of the season, going 6 innings, giving up 1 run on 6 hits, with 5 strikeouts and a walk. Tyler Robertson picked up his 4th save, pitching 3 innings of 2-hit ball, with no walks and a strikeout.

Clay picked up a blown save and his first loss of the season. In 1 2/3 innings pitched, the righty reliever gave up 3 runs on 4 hits, with 2 hit batsmen and a wild pitch. Tommy Hottovy gave up only 1 hit while striking out 2 men while pitching the 8th and 9th innings.

Wilson's line was 5 1/3 innings pitched, giving up 1 run on 3 hits, with 5 K's and 4 walks. he threw 49 strikes on 85 pitches.

Che-Hsuan Lin went 2 for 4 from the lead-off spot, driving in the only run of the game. Tejeda went 2 for 3, scoring the lone run for the Sea Dogs. A day after hitting 2 Home Runs and driving in 4 run, Chih-Hsien Chiang went 0 for 3 with strikeouts.

The Sea Dogs now head to Manchester for a 3-game series against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. Portland is now 10-17 on the season.
-WIL KRAMLICH-

Sea Dogs Bats Explode, Down Rock Cats 15-7

Oscar Tejada rips a single off the Maine Monster (Photo Jeff Schools/MESN)

While the weather was nice for most of Saturday's game, the play on the field was downright offensive. The Sea Dogs and Rock Cats combined for 22 runs on 26 hits, as every Portland batter collected a hit, as the Sea Dogs coasted to a 15-7 win.

The Rock Cats got on the board first, as Joe Benson hit a 2-out solo Home Run in the first inning off Portland starter Brock Huntzinger. The Sea Dogs quickly responded as Ryan Lavarnway hit a 3-run homer and Chih-Hsien Chiang hit a 2-run dinger to put the home team on top 5-1 after 1 inning.

Jon Hee hit a 2-run homer in the 2nd inning, and Oscar Tejeda hit an RBI double to chase New Britain starter Deolis Guerra after 1 2/3 innings pitched. Reliever Santos Aria than gave up a 2-RBI single to Mitch Dening to give Guerra 10 earned runs on the day.

Neither team reached base in the third to give the pitchers a break, because the bats were not done yet.

Huntzinger ran into trouble in the fourth giving up a leadoff single to Chris Parmalee, then walking Evan Bigley. Deibinson Romero would walk with one out to load the bases. Mark Dolenc then hit a sacrifice fly to center to bring home Parmalee. Huntzinger would get Chris Cates to fly out to get out of the jam with only one run allowed.

Chiang hit another 2-run homer in the fourth to give him 3 hits in 3 at-bats in four innings, as the Rock Cat pitchers couldn't find a way to get him out.

New Britain would put up a fight in the top of the fifth, as Chris Hermann and Bigley collected Home Runs off of Huntzinger to chase him out of the game. The righty pitched 4 2/3 innings, giving up 6 runs on 7 hits with 2 walks and a strikeout. he threw 54 of his 87 pitches for strikes.

Portland's offense would keep it going in the bottom of the inning. Vladimir Frias led off with a double for his first hit of the game. Che-Hsuan Lin would double to bring home Frias. Hee then drew a walk with a full count to put two men on. Tim Federowicz then hit a deep fly ball to right that bounced off Bigley's glove to load the bases. Lavarnway hit a grounder up the left side of the infield to bring home Lin, and Hee would also score on an error by Dolenc. Aria was lifted from the game without recording an out in the inning. His replacement, Michael Tarsi then got the next three batters out in order to end the inning, and close the books on the Sea Dogs scoring in this game.

Luis' only hiccup was in the eighth when Yangervis Solarte led off with a triple, and Romero drove him home with an infield single to 3rd.

Luis picked up his first win of the season after pitching 3 1/3 innings of relief, giving up only 1 run on 2 hits, with a walk and 2 strikeouts.

Deolis Guerra took the loss, his fourth of the season. In 1 2/3 innings pitched, he gave up 10 runs on 10 hits with 3 walks and no strikeouts, and giving up 3 Home Runs.

Chiang went 3 for 5 to lead the Sea Dogs offense, with 4 RBIs and 3 runs scored.

Every Sea Dogs batter reached base at least twice, and Dening was the only one to not score a run. The 15 runs was a season high for Portland.

The two teams meet again tomorrow at 1pm for the rubber game of the series. Alex Wilson will be on the mound for the Sea Dogs, looking to pick up his team-leading 5th win of the year.
-WIL KRAMLICH-

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

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

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

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

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

OFFICIAL PORTLAND SEA DOGS GAME STORY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ALEX WILSON PITCHED 5 2/3 STRONG BUT DOGS LOSE

PORTLAND SEA DOGS OFFICIAL GAME WRAP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GAME HIGHLIGHTS COURTESY US CELLULAR SEA DOGS RADIO NETWORK

Kelly, Chang, Rizzo Lead Dogs to Victory

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Box Score

Audio Recap

--Courtesy Sea Dogs Communications--

THE DOGS RALLY AGAIN FOR 9-5 WIN AGAINST THE CATS #portlandseadogs #redsox #milb #sblog

OFFICIAL PORTLAND SEA DOGS GAME WRAP

For the second consecutive day, the Portland Sea Dogs used a big inning to defeat the New Britain Rock Cats. The Sea Dogs pushed six runs across in the top of the eighth, erasing a 5-3 deficit for a 9-5 win, as they took two of three games at New Britain Stadium.

Both teams went down scoreless in the first, before the Sea Dogs started the scoring in the top of the second. With two outs, Will Vazquez was hit by a pitch, and Matt Sheely reached on an infield single. Che-Hsuan Lin then singled to right field, driving in Vazquez. Chris Parmalee made an error on the play, bringing in Sheely with Portland's second run.

The lead didn't last long, as the Rock Cats tied things up in their half of the second. With one out, Jair Fernandez put the home team on the board, drilling his first Double-A home run to center field. Chris Parmalee followed with a double, and advanced to third on Juan Portes' groundout. Parmalee came around to score, when Danny Lehman doubled to deep center.

In the fourth inning, Portland retook the lead, as Chih-Hsien Chiang homered down the right field line for his fifth of the season. Once again, New Britain had an answer, knotting the score in the bottom of the fifth. Danny Lehmann reached on a two-base error, and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Chris Cates. With the infield drawn in, Ben Revere singled, bringing home Lehmann. The Rock Cats picked up one more base runner, but Alex Wilson got the next two hitters to fly out.

Wilson lasted five and two-thirds innings, allowing three runs (two earned) and seven hits, while striking out three. David Bromberg had a similar line for New Britain, going five innings, allowing three runs (two earned) and six hits, while striking out three. Neither pitcher issued a walk, and both received no-decisions.

The score remained tied until the seventh, when the Rock Cats took their first lead of the afternoon. Chris Cates and Ben Revere started the frame with back-to-back singles, before a fielder's choice by Steve Singleton. With runners still on first and second, Joe Benson ripped a two-run triple, scoring Revere and Singleton, giving New Britain a 5-3 lead.

Reliever Billy Bullock made his Double-A debut in the top of the eighth for New Britain, and the Sea Dogs greeted him rudely. Anthony Rizzo started the inning with a groundout, but Ryan Khoury singled, Chih-Hsien Chiang doubled, and Will Vazquez walked, loading the bases. Matt Sheely doubled home the tying runs, and two batters later, Nate Spears cracked a two-run double of his own, putting Portland ahead by a pair. The visitors tacked on two more runs in the eighth on an error by catcher Danny Lehmann.

The six-run eighth made a winner out of Ryne Lawson (4-2), who allowed two runs on three hits in two and one-third innings. Billy Bullock (0-1) suffered the loss, allowing six runs (four earned) on four hits and one walk in two-thirds of an inning.

The Sea Dogs will return to Hadlock Field for a brief three-game homestand against the Harrisburg Senators. The series begins with a 7:00 start on Monday night, as Portland's Jeremy Kehrt (1-3, 3.45) faces Harrisburg's Aaron Thompson (3-9, 6.10).

GAME HIGHLIGHTS COURTESY US CELLULAR SEA DOGS RADIO NETWORK

NESN-RIFIC GAME GAME DAY - SEA DOGS VS NB ROCK CATS - KELLY VS GIBSON #RockCats #cpk3

ESN is in the house, Casey Kelly vs Kyle Gibson and Memorial Day Baseball at Hadlock! If you can't be get to NESN, stick here for all the updates!


CLICK PHOTO FOR GALLERY PRESENTED BY MR SPARKY, AMERICA'S ON TIME ELECTRICIAN

RYAN WESTMORELAND HANGING WITH THE DOGS THIS WEEKEND

PORTLAND SEA DOGS OFFICIAL GAME WRAP  The Portland Sea Dogs (26-23) overcame a four-run seventh inning deficit to defeat the New Britain Rock Cats 10-6 before 6,663 fans on Monday afternoon at Hadlock Field.  Nate Spears, Anthony Rizzo and Yamaico Navarro would all leave the yard during a six-run seventh inning rally as the Sea Dogs take three of four from the Rock Cats and improve to 13-3 on the season against New Britain.

 With Portland trailing 6-2 heading into the bottom of the seventh inning, Spears would make it a ballgame connecting for a solo homerun, his fifth of the season, to make it a 6-3.

SUNDAY GAME DAY - SEA DOGS VS ROCK CATS

CLICK PHOTO FOR SLIDESHOW. POSTGAME AUDIO BELOW

Jose Iglesias and his injured hand

Ryan Kalish continues his hot streak as The Portland Sea Dogs beat the New Britain Rock Cats 8 - 4

POST GAME AUDIO
Ryan Kalish


Kyle Weiland


PORTLAND SEA DOGS OFFICIAL GAME WRAP
The Portland Sea Dogs (25-23) used six strong innings from Kyle Weiland (1-4) and a five-run fourth inning to defeat the New Britain Rock Cats, 8-4 on Sunday afternoon in front of 6,930 fans at Hadlock Field.  Portland has won two straight in the series and 12 of 15 on the season against the Rock Cats.

HADLOCK HEADLINES - WEILAND, DOGS 1 HIT ROCK CATS #redsox #sblog #mlb

WEILAND 1 HITS THROUGH 6 (PHOTO KEVIN PATAKY/MILB.COM)

PORTLAND SEA DOGS GAME RECAP

For the last two days, Chih-Hsien Chiang has defined the word "clutch." After a two-run double in the ninth inning on Saturday, Chiang was the hero again on Sunday. The left fielder drove in both of Portland's runs, as the Sea Dogs completed a three-game sweep of the Rock Cats, with a 2-1 win at New Britain Stadium.

For most of the day, the story of the game was the pitching of Sea Dogs' starter Kyle Weiland. Because of his pitch count, Weiland was limited to just five innings. However, those five innings could not have been much better, as Weiland struck out four, while not allowing a single baserunner.

New Britain starter Mike McCardell also had a nice day on the hill, allowing one run, four hits, and three walks, while striking out four, in six innings of work. McCardell's only blemish of the afternoon came in the top of the fourth. After Yamaico Navarro struck out, Jose Iglesias singled up the middle. Three pitches later, Chih-Hsien Chiang picked up his fourth RBI of the series, doubling to the right-center field gap.

Robert Coello took over for Weiland, and kept the perfect game going through the sixth inning. However, in the bottom of the seventh, the perfection came to an end, and so did Portland's lead. Ben Revere was hit by the second pitch of the frame, and promptly stole second base. Estarlin De Los Santos bunted Revere to third for the first out. After a walk by Steve Singleton, Coello struck out Rene Tosoni for the second out of the inning. Unfortunately for Coello, he was unable to wiggle out of the jam, allowing an RBI single to Juan Portes.

The tie game didn't last long, as the Sea Dogs quickly regained the lead in the top of the eighth. Ray Chang led off with a single, moved to second on a walk by Luis Exposito, and eventually to third on a bunt by Yamaico Navarro. Jose Iglesias' ground ball to third prevented Chang from scoring, but Exposito had little trouble coming around, as Chih-Hsien Chiang drew a bases loaded walk against reliever Chris Province. Portland's go-ahead run was charged to Henry Arias (0-1), who suffered his first loss in Double-A.

Despite allowing the tying run, Robert Coello (4-1) earned the win for the Sea Dogs. Coello pitched three innings, giving up one run, one hit, two walks, and one hit batsman, while striking out three. Bryce Cox pitched a scoreless ninth, recording his fifth save of the season.

On Monday night, the Sea Dogs will begin a three game series against the Binghamton Mets at Hadlock Field. Casey Kelly (0-2, 2.87) will make the start for Portland, opposed by Binghamton's Brad Holt (0-2, 18.69). First pitch is scheduled for 6:00.

GAME HIGHLIGHTS COURTESY US CELLULAR RADIO NETWORK


MIKE ANTONELLIS' POSTGAME LEXY CAST

HADLOCK HEADLINES - ANOTHER COMEBACK! DOGS WIN 4 - 2 #redsox #milb @Jerry_Remy

RYAN KALISH (PHOTO JEFF SCHOOLS/CMSB MEDIA)

Ryan Kalish comes through yet again for the Portland Sea Dogs with a 2 out double in the 9th to beat the New Britain Rock Cats 4 - 2 Friday Night.

PORTLAND SEA DOGS GAME WRAP UP

The Portland Sea Dogs were down to their final two strikes, as the New Britain Rock Cats could smell the taste of victory. Thanks to Ryan Kalish, that smell was as close as New Britain would get. With two outs and the bases loaded in the ninth, Kalish launched a three-run double, turning a 2-1 deficit into a 4-2 lead for Portland. The Sea Dogs ultimately hung on to win by that score, winning their fourth straight game at New Britain Stadium.

On this night, it was the Rock Cats who started the scoring in the bottom of the first. Ben Revere led off the game with an infield single, and promptly swiped second base with his eighth steal of the season. After back-to-back strikeouts, Juan Portes reached base with a walk, setting the table for Daniel Rams. The New Britain catcher drove an 0-1 offering over Jason Place's head, easily scoring Revere. Portes also tried to score, but didn't make it, thanks to a perfect relay throw from Nate Spears.

The lead didn't last long, as the Sea Dogs scored their first run in the top of the second. Yamaico Navarro started the threat with a one-out walk, and made his way around on back-to-back singles by Juan Apodaca and Chih-Hsien Chiang. Chiang's hit to left field produced the run, giving him ten RBI on the year.

Both starting pitchers got into grooves from there, as Felix Doubront and Tyler Robertson were both on top of their games. Doubront went five and two-third innings for Portland, allowing two runs, six hits, and two walks, while striking out a season-high of nine batters. Robertson was slightly better for New Britain, going six and one-third innings, allowing one run, seven hits, three walks, and three hit batsmen, while striking out five.

The difference between the two starters came in the bottom of the fifth. Steve Singleton led off with a single, and moved to second on Chih-Hsien Chiang's fielding error in left field. The error ended up being meaningless, as Toby Gardenhire walked, two batters later. However, the Rock Cats did take the lead, when Ben Revere launched a run-scoring double off of the right field wall.

New Britain maintained that lead until the ninth. Jason Place started the Sea Dogs' rally with a walk, moved to second on a single by Will Vazquez, and eventually to third, when Nate Spears accepted a free pass. Ray Chang popped up to first base for the second out of the frame, leaving the game in the hands of Ryan Kalish. The Portland center fielder didn't disappoint, clearing the bases with a long double to the right-center field gap. That hit gave the visitors a 4-2 lead.

The Sea Dogs were able to make their comeback, thanks to the spectacular relief effort of Eammon Portice. Portice pitched two and one-third hitless innings, leaving the game after the
eighth. That performance gave Portice (3-1) the win. Santos Arias pitched well in the seventh and eighth for New Britain, but ran into trouble in the ninth, allowing the three runs that gave Portland the win. The loss drops Arias' record to 0-5. Bryce Cox loaded the bases in the bottom of the ninth, but pitched out of it, picking up his fourth save of the season.

The Sea Dogs and Rock Cats will play game two of their three-game series on Saturday night, with an identical starting time of 6:35. Ryne Miller (1-1, 4.30) will make the start for Portland, while New Britain goes with Deolis Guerra (1-1, 3.91).

POST GAME HIGHLIGHTS


MIKE ANTONELLIS LEXY CAST

SEA DOGS VS ROCK CATS SERIES FINALE POST #redsox #twins

Sea Dogs Ryan Kalish takes out NB catcher Danny Lehmann. Lehmann held onto the ball, Kalish was out.

Let's start things off with the National Anthem from Hebron Academy's Heebeegeebees. FYI my daughter attends Hebron, gotta post this!




The Portland Sea Dogs finished off the sweep of the New Britain Rock Cats, beating the Cats 6 - 5 in front of 6,537.

Ryan Kalish and Juan Apodaca each had 2 run doubles, Kalish in the 1st inning, Apodaca in the 3rd. Kalish had a interesting 1st inning. After getting the 2 run double, Kalish stole third clean. With Apodaca at the plate, Apodaca dribbled the ball toward 2nd base, Kalish broke on contact. Cats 2nd Baseman Steve Singleton threw a strike to catcher Danny Lehmann. Lehmann braced for contact and Kalish did not dissapoint, lowering his shoulder and blasting Lehmann. Lehmann, however, held on to the ball,and Kalish was out at home. Lehmann finished the inning after a short check from the trainers, but cam out of the game in the next half inning for precaution.

Rock Cats officials said Lehmann was ok and that he will be day to day.

Click down below for Kalish's and Beyele's Post Game comments.

The Sea Dogs start a 4 game series against the Reading Phillies Monday night at 6PM.

GAME WRAP UP COURTESY PORTLAND SEA DOGS


The Sea Dogs scored five times in the first three innings en route to a 6-5 victory over the New Britain Rock Cats on Sunday afternoon at Hadlock Field in front of 6,537 fans.  The Sea Dogs complete a 3-game series sweep of the Cats and improve to a season-best 13-9.  Portland has won 7 of 9 and all six meetings this season against New Britain.  The Rock Cats (4-18) have now lost eight straight games.

The Sea Dogs jumped on losing pitcher Tyler Robertson (0-2) in the first inning, taking a 2-0 lead on Ryan Kalish’s 2-run double down the right-field line.  Juan Apodaca would do the same in the third inning, scoring Kalish and Luis Exposito.  Portland scored five times off Robertson, who yielded six hits and three walks.

Tommy Hottovy (2-0) worked three innings in relief of starter Ryne Miller to secure the win for Portland.  Miller lasted four innings and was charged with one run when he hit Toby Gardenhire with the bases loaded.  Hottovy’s only blemish happened in the sixth on Estarlin De Los Santos 2-out run-scoring single to left field.

The Rock Cats made the game interesting scoring three times in the ninth inning off Sea Dogs reliever Santo Luis.  Jason Rice entered the game for Portland and recorded the final two outs and his third save of the season preserving a 6-5 Sea Dogs victory.

Nate Spears knocked in Portland’s second run with a sac-fly in the second inning and Will Vazquez drew a bases-loaded walk in the fifth inning to Portland in front  6-1.

Apodaca extended his hitting streak to five games while Yamaico Navarro extended his to a team high eight games.

The Portland Sea Dogs will welcome the Reading Phillies to town on Monday at 6:00 PM for a four game series.

POSTGAME INTERVIEWS

ARNIE BEYELER


RYAN KALISH


POSTGAME HIGHLIGHTS COURTESY US CELLULAR RADIO NETWORK



MIKE ANTONELLIS POSTGAME LEXY CAST

HADLOCK HEADLINES: SEA DOGS VS ROCK CATS GAME 2 POST #redsox

The Portland Sea Dogs used solid pitching and timly hitting to beat the New Britain Rock Cats 4 - 1 on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon for baseball.

Sea Dogs starter Felix Dubront went 5 2/3 innings allowing only 3 hits and 1 run. Relievers TJ Large and Bryce Cox only gave up 1 hit the rest of the way, finishing the stellar pitching for the Dogs.

Seems there were a few fireworks left over from the Friday Night display, as Sea Dogs Cartcher/DH Luis Exposito seemed to be a target for Rock Cats pitcher Carlos Gutierrez. During Exposito's at bat in the 2nd inning which resulted in a walk, Gutierrez threw behind Exposito 2 times. Exposito stepped back and the 2 exchanded some harsh glances.

Fast forward to the Sea Dogs 6th with 1 on and no out, Gutierrez came up and in and hit Exposito in the arm. Lots of words were exchanged, but order was kept. "I have no idea what happened". Gutierrez and Exposito played in the same area in high school, but Exposito said "we never saw then so it couldn't be (from that)"

Home plate umpire Tim Eastman warned both benches as the time of the play. Sea Dogs manager Arnie Beyeler stuch around a little longer between innings to get clarification on the warning. On his way back to the dugout, Beyeler was tossed by Eastman. When asked what the ejection was for he said "I have no idea, I was on my way back to the dugout."

The Rock Cats and Sea Dogs finish things off tomorrow at 1pm at Hadlock.

PORTLAND SEA DOGS GAME SUMMARY

Nate Spears hit a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the seventh inning to snap a 1-1 tie. The Sea Dogs (12-9) would go on to defeat the New Britain Rocks (4-17) 4-1 on Saturday afternoon at Hadlock Field in front of 6,890 fans.

Portland jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second. With Luis Exposito on third and Juan Apodaca on first, Yamaico Navarro hit in to a fielders choice, allowing Exposito to cross the plate.

The Rock Cats instantly tied the game back up at 1-1. Toby Gardenhire doubled to start the inning. Leadoff man Ben Revere put a bunt down to Doubront, but a bad throw kept Revere safe. Mark Dolenc hit in to a double play, but it allowed Gardenhire to scamper home.

Things got heated between the two clubs in the bottom of the sixth inning. After being thrown behind twice in an earlier at-bat, Exposito was hit by a Carlos Gutierrez offering which got both dugouts warned. In-between innings, Sea Dogs manager Arnie Beyeler was ejected by Home Plate umpire Tim Eastman.

Spenser Steedley relieved Guiterrez in the seventh inning and Yamaico Navarro led off the inning with a single. After a Che-Hsuan Lin fly out, Chih-Hsien Chiang got a seeing-eye single through the infield and Will Vazquez drew a four-pitch walk to fill the bases. Nate Spears drove a deep fly ball that stayed in the park, but was able to score Navarro, giving the Sea Dogs a 2-1 lead.

Exposito added some insurance for the Sea Dogs in the eighth inning. With Ryan Kalish on first, Exposito ripped a RBI double that gave Portland a 3-1 lead. After a Juan Apodaca ground out moved Exposito to third, Navarro lifted a fly ball deep enough to score Exposito, giving the Sea Dogs a 4-1 lead.

Felix Doubront pitched a wonderful game for the Sea Dogs but did not factor into the decision. In five and two thirds, Doubront gave up only three hits and one earned run. T.J. Large (1-0) picked up the victory in his relief effort of Doubront. Bryce Cox entered the game in the ninth, picking up his third save of the season.

Carlos Gutierrez pitched a gem for the Rock Cats, going six innings, giving up one earned run. Spenser Steedley (1-2) took the loss for New Britain.

The Sea Dogs and Rock Cats finish up the three game series tomorrow afternoon at 1:00 PM. Ryne Miller (1-1) takes the ball for the Sea Dogs, Tyler Robertson (0-1) is on the bump for the 'Cats.

Notes: Prior to the game 140 dogs paraded around the warning track for the fourth annual "Bark in the Park" day, raising money for the Planet Dog Foundation and the Animal Refuge League.

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POST GAME INTERVIEWS

LUIS EXPOSITO

ARNIE BEYELER


MIKE ANTONELLIS POST GAME LEXY CAST

HADLOCK HEADLINES: SEA DOGS VS ROCK CATS GAME 1 POST

SS JOSE IGLASIAS FLIPS TO 2ND BASE FOR THE FORCE OUT

Folks, former Sea Dogs pitcher Chris Province did not enjoy his return to Hadlock. Province was included in the deal between the Sox and Twins that sent Boof Bonzer to the Red Sox system.

Province entered the game with the Rock Cats leading 4 - 3. After a couple hits and 4 runs walked in, he departed with the Sea Dogs pulling ahead 8-4. Catcher Luis Exposito then emptied the bases with a 3RBI triple to deep right center. DH Yamaico Navaro followed with another triple. Dogs up 12-4.

The Sea Dogs used solid pitching the rest of the way to beat the New Britain Rock Cats 13-4.

GAME WRAP BY PORTLAND SEA DOGS

On a night where fireworks filled the night sky after the game, the Portland Sea Dogs had a fireworks show of their own on the field, defeating the New Britain Rock Cats, 13-4.
The runs started early for the 'Dogs, as they faced the Minnesota Twins 2009 Minor League Pitcher of the Year, David Bromberg. Knowing that Bromberg had the stuff to shut them down, Portland pounced early.

The Sea Dogs were able to strike in the bottom of the second inning. After consecutive singles from Jose Iglesias and Chiang, Will Vasquez grounded a ball to third base, which looked to be a taylor-made double play ball. The throw from second baseman Steve Singleton to first baseman Chris Parmalee was low, leaving Vasquez safe at first. With heads-up base running, Iglesias went from third to home on the bad throw, and a bad throw from Parmalee to home plate ensured that the Iglesias would score, making it 1-0 Portland. The run was unearned.

The Sea Dogs started the third inning with a 1-0 lead, but could not leave the inning the same way, as Juan Portice hit a 2-out solo home-run off of of a 1-1 Stephen Fife offering, evening up the score at 1-1.

The Rock Cats broke the 1-1 tie in the top of the fifth inning. Joe Benson hit a sharp ground ball to Jose Iglesias, but a poor throw to first base allowed Benson to reach and take second. Danny Lehmann laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt, moving Benson to third. Ben Revere then hit a fly ball to Ryan Kalish. The throw to home was close, but Benson beat the throw, giving the 'Cats a 2-1 lead.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, Jose Iglesias lead with a double (his 7th multi hit game). Chiang grounded out, but moved Iglesias to 3rd. With Jose at third and the infield playing in, Will Vasquez hit a one out bloop single, scoring Iglesias and tying the game at 2-2. It was the first hit with runners in scoring position for the sea dogs, as well as Vasquez's first Double-A RBI.

After Fife went six strong innings giving up only one earned run in his longest appearance of the year, Ryne Lawson came in and got himself in to trouble. Mark Dolence singled and stole second. A Wild pitch from Lawson got Dolence to third with nobody out. Benson drew a walk on a 3-2 count, then Danny Lehmann roped a single which scored Dolence, giving New Britain a 3-2 lead.

The bleeding didn't stop for Lawson after that. Ben Revere put down a bunt which advanced Joe Benson to third. A Rene Tosoni sac fly to Ryan Kalish scored Joe Benson, and after the top of the seventh, the Rock Cats had a 4-2 lead. Luckily for Lawson, a big inning for the Sea Dogs gave him the victory.

Joe Testa (0-3) came in after Bromberg's evening was completed (six innings, nine hits, and two runs in a No Decision) and pitched very poorly. Testa did not even pitch an inning, after giving up a single to Ryan Kalish and back to back walks to Exposito and Apodaca.

Former Sea Dog Chris Province came in to the game to to clean up Testa's mess, but did not fair well. Yamaico Navarro grounded in to a fielders choice, but it gained the Sea Dogs a run, making the score 4-3. Province continued New Britain's control issues in the inning, walking in Chih-Hsien Chiang, tying up the score. Will Vasquez then came to the plate and ripped a single, scoring Apodaca, giving the Sea Dogs a 5-4 lead. Another Province walk, this time to Nate Spears, gave the 'Dogs a 6-4 lead. A clearly shaken Province then gave up another bases loaded walk, bumping the score to 7-4. Province only went a third of an inning, giving up one hit, but five walks.

Relief pitcher Henry Arias came in after Province, and gave up an instant bases clearing triple to Luis Exposito, whcih scored Spears, Lin and Kalish. Juan Apodaca grounded out for the second out of the inning, then Yamico Navarro blasted another triple, scoring Luis Exposito. After the dust settled, the Sea Dogs put up a ten run inning, including four bases loaded walks.

The game was in cruise control after that. Ryan Kalish hit a sac fly which scored Vasquez in the bottom of the eighth inning which ended the scoring for the night.

Robert Coello pitched a clean ninth inning, giving the Sea Dogs the Victory.

The 'Dogs and 'Cats go at it tomorrow at Hadlock, as Felix Dubront gets the start for Portland.

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JEFF'S POST GAME LEXI CAST