Ninth Inning Magic Propels Sea Dogs to 4-3 Win
May 8, 2010 - Eastern League (EL1)
Portland Sea Dogs News Release
(New Britain, CT)- For the second night in a row, the Portland Sea Dogs saved the best for last. Portland trailed by one run in the ninth inning, but a two-run double by Chih-Hsien Chiang tied the game, and Steve Singleton's throwing error put the Sea Dogs ahead. Jason Rice blanked the Rock Cats in the ninth, as Portland picked up a 4-3 win at New Britain Stadium.
Both teams went down scoreless in the first two innings, but in the third, the Sea Dogs struck first. Jose Iglesias led off the frame with an infield single, and took second base on an errant throw by third baseman, Steve Singleton. Chih-Hsien Chiang moved Iglesias to third on a ground out, and Nate Spears brought him home with an infield single up the middle.
Portland's lead didn't last long, as the Rock Cats' bats came alive in the bottom half of the third. After a pop out by Yancarlos Ortiz, three consecutive New Britain hitters reached base. Ben Revere walked, Steve Singleton singled, and Rene Tosoni singled, loading the bases. Revere scored on a sacrifice fly by Juan Portes, and the other two baserunners made it around, when Chris Parmalee blooped a base hit into center field.
Aside from the third inning, both starting pitchers were sharp. Deolis Guerra got the nod for New Britain, going six innings, allowing one unearned run, six hits, and two walks, while striking out four. For Portland, Ryne Miller made the start, going five innings, allowing three runs (two earned), six hits, and two walks, while also striking out four. Neither starter received a decision.
Ryne Lawson took over for Miller, and proceeded to have one of his best appearances as a Sea Dog. The Portland reliver tossed three innings of scoreless baseball, allowing just one hit and one walk.
The Rock Cats' bullpen was almost as good, taking a 3-1 lead into the ninth inning. However, for the second night in a row, the Sea Dogs gave a New Britain pitcher a blown save. Matt Williams was that pitcher, as Che-Hsuan Lin started Portland's comeback with a single to right. Jose Iglesias followed by reaching base on a fielder's choice, when Yancarlos Ortiz was unable to get Lin out at second base. Chih-Hsien Chiang was next at the plate, and he tied the score, lifting a two-run double over Joe Benson's head in right field. Chiang made his way around three batters later, when Ray Chang reached on an error by Steve Singleton.
Jason Rice kept New Britain off of the scoreboard in the bottom of the ninth, earning his fifth save of the season. Rice's save made a winner out of Ryne Lawson (2-2), while Matt Williams (0-1) suffered the loss in his Double-A debut.
The Sea Dogs and Rock Cats will play the rubber game of their three-game series on Sunday afternoon at 1:35. Kyle Weiland (0-2, 7.00) will make the start for Portland, going up against New Britain's Mike McCardell (0-3, 4.71).
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