Rock Cats rally to beat Portland 5-4
May 11, 2013 - Eastern League (EL1)
Portland Sea Dogs News Release
(New Britain, CT) - The New Britain Rock Cats (20-16) scored three runs in the eighth inning to rally back and beat the Portland Sea Dogs (21-13), 5-4 on Saturday night at New Britain Stadium.
Former Umaine product Curt Smith delivered the game-winning hit, smacking a two-run homer off losing pitcher Miguel Celestino (1-1) over the right-center field wall. New Britain tied the game at four on a run-scoring ground out by Danny Santana.
New Britain's bullpen worked four scoreless innings on one hit (lead off single in the ninth by Bogaerts) to close out the contest. Bruce Pugh (1-0) pitched a scoreless seventh for the win and Aaron Thompson worked the ninth for his third save of the year.
Celestino suffered his first Double-A loss, yielding three runs on three hits over 2.1 IP.
Right-hander Matt Barnes was solid in his seventh start of the season for Portland. Barnes left the game after five innings with Portland leading 4-1. The Connecticut native gave up three hits and one run over 5 IP, while fanning seven.
Portland took a 1-0 lead in the first, thanks to mother nature. Xander Bogaerts drew a walk and scored on a two-out triple by Tony Thomas. On Thomas' base hit, the right fielder slipped on what looked like a routine single, enabling Bogaerts to score.
In the second inning, the Sea Dogs forced Alex Meyer to throw 30 pitches, but managed just one run. Christian Vazquez reached on a third baseman's error, enabling Michael Almanzar to score from second base. New Britain's second inning featured six batters, but their lone run came on a lead-off homer by Josmil Pinto.
The Sea Dogs extended their lead to 4-1 in the third on a two-out, two-run single by Vazquez. Meyer lasted five innings, giving up seven hits, four runs (three earned) on four walks and seven strikeouts.
Daniel Bard's struggles continued since his return from Boston. Bard walked four in the sixth, issuing two wild pitches, and allowed one run on a bases-loaded walk to Dan Rohlfing. The right-hander threw 29 pitches, but only eight strikes.
Prime Motor Group Player of the Game: Matt Barnes
The Sea Dogs and Rock Cats conclude their 4-game series on Sunday afternoon, beginning at 1:35 PM from New Britain Stadium. Right-hander Anthony Ranaudo (4-1, 1.84) makes his seventh start of the season. Lefty Logan Darnell (3-1, 3.00) takes the mound for the Rock Cats. Radio coverage begins at 1:15 PM on the U.S. Cellular Sea Dogs Radio Network and via the Tune-In Radio app for smartphones and tablets. Portland returns home on May 17th to open up a 7-game homestand against the Binghamton Mets. Tickets are available by calling 207-879-9500 or at seadogs.com.
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