Groome Strikes out Nine in 2-1 Win
May 24, 2022 - Eastern League (EL)
Portland Sea Dogs News Release
Portland, Maine - Jay Groome struck out nine batters across six phenomenal innings to help the Portland Sea Dogs (20-20) secure a 2-1 series-opening win over the Somerset Patriots (26-13) on Tuesday at Hadlock Field in Portland, Maine.
Somerset took the first lead of the game in the top of the fourth inning with Groome on the mound. Brandon Lockridge led off with a double to center and Nick Sogard made an error, allowing him to reach third. Michael Beltre grounded into a fielder's choice, bringing in Lockridge, giving Somerset a 1-0 advantage.
The Sea Dogs responded in the bottom of the fourth against Patriots starter Mitch Spence. David Hamilton got on with a bunt single and stole second base. Pedro Castellanos was hit by a pitch and Tyler Dearden grounded into a fielder's choice at second base, scoring Hamilton, and tying the game 1-1.
Portland added on in the bottom of the fifth with Spence still pitching. Christian Koss led off with a double. Brandon Howlett took a base hit to left, driving in Koss, and giving the Sea Dogs the lead back 2-1.
The Sea Dogs bullpen took over for Groome in the seventh inning, shutting down the Patriots offense the rest of the way. Brendan Nail tossed 2.0 scoreless innings, striking out one in the process. Chase Shugart came in for the ninth, hurling 1.0 scoreless inning, walking one and striking out two, earning his third save of the season and a 2-1 win for the Sea Dogs.
Groome (2-1) spun 6.0 innings, giving up one unearned on four hits with two walks and nine strikeouts in his second win of the season. Spence (1-2) pitched 5.2 innings, allowing two runs on three hits, walking one, and striking out eight in his second loss of the year.
The Sea Dogs and Patriots play the second game of a six-game series on Wednesday with a 6:00 PM first pitch. Portland sends RHP Victor Santos (3-4, 4.74 ERA) to the mound against Somerset RHP Sean Boyle (1-1, 4.15 ERA).
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