Dening Smashes Three Run Homer in Winning Effort
Published on September 2, 2011 under Eastern League (EL1)
Portland Sea Dogs News Release
Portland, Maine- Mark Wagner delivered a RBI double in the bottom of the seventh to lift the Portland Sea Dogs (59-80) to a 6-5 victory over the first place New Hampshire Fisher Cats (74-65) Friday night at Hadlock Field.
The Sea Dogs opened their final homestand of the season by jumping out to a 4-0 lead in the second inning. Jeff Howell ripped a RBI single to score Mark Wagner and Mitch Dening blasted a three run shot over the video board off New Hampshire starter Chad Jenkins.
Portland starter Matt Rusch held the Fisher Cats scoreless through four innings. The Fisher Cats began to chip away at the lead in the fifth when Mark Sobolewski and Jonathan Diaz hit back-to-back doubles to get on the scoreboard.
The Blue Jays affiliate struck for two more runs in the sixth chasing Rusch from the game. Sobolewski singled to center scoring Mike McDade and Yan Gomes crossed the plate on a passed ball by catcher Jeff Howell as the Fisher Cats cut the Sea Dogs lead to 4-3.
Reidier Gonzalez relieved Jenkins in the sixth. After getting two quick outs he surrendered a single to Jeff Howell followed by a triple off the bat of Ronald Bermudez to extend the Sea Dogs lead to 5-3.
New Hampshire would not go easily as they tied the game at five in the seventh. Moses Sierra singled off Kyle Fernandes scoring Anthony Gose. Sierra crossed the plate on a McDade force out to tie the game.
The resilient Portland offense kept coming as Oscar Tejeda and Wagner connected for back-to-back doubles in the bottom of the seventh for the game winner.
Fernandes (3-5) picks up the win for Portland despite allowing three runs on three hits in 1.2 innings.
Blake Maxwell pitched two perfect innings to close out the game and earn his 15th save.
Gonzalez (8-3) suffered the loss allowing two runs on four hits in 1.2 innings on the mound.
Three games remain in the 2011 season. Portland is back in action Saturday night at 6:00 PM against the Fisher Cats. Right-handed pitcher Jeremy Kehrt (3-1, 4.46) will be on the mound for Portland. Righty Nestor Molina (2-0, 0.47) will be on the hill for New Hampshire.
Eastern League Stories from September 2, 2011
- Fisher Cat Rally Falls Short In 6-5 Loss To Sea Dogs - New Hampshire Fisher Cats
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- Erie Walks All Over Bowie - Chesapeake Baysox
- Pitching Leads The Way In Aeros Win Over Harrisburg - Akron RubberDucks
- Altoona Drops Second Straight With Loss On Friday - Altoona Curve
- Dening Smashes Three Run Homer in Winning Effort - Portland Sea Dogs
- Wild West Tilts Back in Richmond's Favor - Richmond Flying Squirrels
- Thunder edge Rock Cats, 4-1 - New Britain Rock Cats
- 'Wolves Blast Baysox 9-2 - Erie SeaWolves
- Akron Cruises Past the Senators 7-1 - Harrisburg Senators
- Josh Beckett Enshrined in Portland Sea Dogs Hall of Fame - Portland Sea Dogs
- Richmond Flying Squirrels Game Notes - Richmond Flying Squirrels
- Cloyd Leads R-Phils to Win - Reading Fightin Phils
- Baysox Parrot Named Diamond Pro Sports Field Manager of the Year - Chesapeake Baysox
- Labor Day Playoff Specials Avaiable Now - New Hampshire Fisher Cats
- Curve Release 2012 Schedule Highlighted by April 5 Opener and July 4th Home Games - Altoona Curve
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