EL1 Portland Sea Dogs

Curve Sink Sea Dogs

Published on July 28, 2011 under Eastern League (EL1)
Portland Sea Dogs News Release


Portland, Maine- The Altoona Curve scored two runs in the top of the seventh to break a 3-3 tie going on to defeat the Portland Sea Dogs 7-4 Thursday night before a sold out crowd of 7,368 fans at Hadlock Field. It was the first win for the Curve (45-59) in four tries against the Sea Dogs (43-61) this season.

Altoona scored two unearned runs in the top of the seventh. Sea Dogs' reliever Eammon Portice had retired all six batters he had faced including five by way of the strikeout when Anthony Norman reached on a one out fielding error by shortstop Heiker Menses. After a single by Starling Marte and a walk to Brad Holt, Norman scored on a ground out by Josh Rodriguez to break the 3-3 tie.

Matt Curry hit his fifth home run, a two run shot to centerfield off Portice to provide the Curve with some insurance as they extended the lead to 7-3. Portice (4-6) suffered the loss allowing four runs (two earned) on four hits in 2.2 innings of work. He walked two and struck out a season high six batters.

Matt McSwain (2-0) earned the win tossing two perfect innings in relief.

The Sea Dogs threatened in the ninth bringing the tying run to plate with two outs when Mitch Dening hit a deep fly ball to right-centerfield that was caught at the wall allowing Michael Dubee to earn his sixth save.

The Pirates affiliate got on the board first in the second inning as Quincy Latimore's single to left field scored Andrew Lambo from third, who doubled earlier in the inning. Michael Lee then struck out the next two Curve batters, Sanchez and Norman, to keep the damage to a minimum. Sea Dogs pitchers would record 12 strikeouts for the game.

The Sea Dogs responded in the bottom of the second by scoring two runs on four hits. Catcher Mark Wagner led off with a double off the Maine Monster. Jon Hee moved him over on the sacrifice bunt and Oscar Tejeda plated Wagner with a single to right-center. Heiker Meneses knocked in the final run of the inning, scoring Jeremy Hazelbaker as Portland moved ahead 2-1.

Both Altoona and Portland would score one run in the third inning giving the Sea Dogs 3-2 lead.

The Curve would break the tie in the top of the fifth. Lee gave up singles to three-of-the-first four batters of the inning before giving way to Portice.

North Conway, New Hampshire native Jeff Locke started for Altoona in front of dozens of friends and family. The Eastern League All-Star tossed five innings allowing three runs (two earned) on six hits. He walked one and struck out four but did not factor into the decision.

Chih-Hsien Chiang had his season high 12 game hit streak snapped.

The two teams will continue the series Friday night at 7:00 PM at Hadlock Field. Portland has not yet announced a starter. Altoona will send righty Michael Colla (4-7, 3.88) to the hill. Tickets are available and can be purchased by calling the Sea Dogs Ticket Office at 207-879-9500 or order online at www.seadogs.com.

Check out the Portland Sea Dogs Statistics

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Eastern League Stories from July 28, 2011


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