Hometown Hero, Hassan, Shines at Fenway
Published on August 20, 2011 under Eastern League (EL1)
Portland Sea Dogs News Release
Portland, Maine- Milton, Massachusetts native Alex Hassan had a memorable day playing at Fenway Park Saturday afternoon with a 3-for-4 performance, including a game tying two run homer. In the end, it would not be enough as the Binghamton Mets spoiled the Sea Dogs trip to Fenway Park defeating Portland 6-4 in 11 innings Saturday afternoon. It was the first loss for Portland at Fenway Park in three games. Portland previously played at Fenway in 2007 and 2009.
Tied at two in the 11th inning, the Mets exploded for four runs to earn the victory. Eric Campbell singled through the hole at shortstop scoring Juan Lagares to take a 3-2 lead. Kai Gronauer launched a three run homer over the Green Monster for a 6-2 cushion.
Portland rallied back in the bottom of the 11th with two runs from a Jon Hee single, scoring Ryan Dent and Jeremy Hazlebaker, but the comeback would fall short.
Rhiner Cruz (3-2) picked up the win, allowing two runs on four hits in 2.2 innings. Josh Stinson earned his fourth save striking out Mitch Dening to end the game.
Chris Martin (0-1) suffered the loss in his Sea Dog debut. Martin, who was promoted from Single-A Salem on Friday allowed four runs on six hits in two innings.
The Sea Dogs received outstanding pitching and defense for the first six innings of the game.
Portland starter Charlie Haeger surrendered a lead-off single to Matt Den Dekker to open the game but proceeded to strike out the next three batters. Haeger scattered seven hits over 6.2 innings; allowing one hit an inning. The Sea Dogs defense turned-in two standout catches, two double plays and a caught stealing to keep the game scoreless entering the seventh.
Jeremy Hazelbaker made a great catch at the wall in center off the bat of Jon Malo to start the third. Right-fielder Mitch Dening reached into the stands to snag a foul ball to end the fifth and Dan Butler would throw-out Michael Fisher attempting to steal second in the sixth.
However, the pitching and defense would go south in the seventh. Haeger issued back-to-back one out walks. A wild pitch advanced the runners and a throwing error by Dan Butler allowed Brahiam Maldonado to score. Jon Malo would add a RBI single and Allan Dykstra came home on a throwing error by Hazelbaker as the Mets took a 2-0 lead in the seventh.
Ryan Khoury lead-off the eighth inning with a walk when Alex Hassan belted a two run homer to straight away centerfield to tie the game. Hassan extended his hit streak to nine games.
The Portland Sea Dogs will return to Hadlock Field to conclude the Series with the Mets at 1:00 PM on Sunday. Right-handed pitcher Brock Huntzinger (5-11, 6.60) will start for the Sea Dogs. Binghamton will send righty Matt Harvey to the mound (3-3, 5.04). 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.
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