Rio Gomez Perfect in Portland's 5-2 Win in Hartford
May 19, 2023 - Eastern League (EL)
Portland Sea Dogs News Release
Hartford, Connecticut- Rio Gomez dominated in relief as the Portland Sea Dogs (24-13) defeats the Hartford Yard Goats (19-17) 5-2 on Friday night. The Sea Dogs remain in first place of the Northeast Division of the Eastern League, 0.5 game ahead of the second-place Somerset Patriots.
After coming in to relieve in the bottom of the fourth, Rio Gomez retired all twelve Yard Goats he faced in order, four of which were retired by strikeouts. With his four innings of scoreless ball, Gomez matched a career-high in innings pitched. The first 4.0 inning appearance for Gomez came back on July 23, 2021 vs Harrisburg.
Portland claimed the lead first in the top of the second when Niko Kavadas hit a lead off double before advancing to third on a fly out. A sacrifice fly by Chase Meidroth brought Kavadas home to score to put Portland on top, 1-0.
Corey Rosier stole his twenty-first stolen base of the season in the top of the fifth inning after reaching on a bunt single before advancing to second when Sikes was hit by a pitch. Rosier then stole third before scoring on a throwing error by the catcher. Nick Yorke grounded out to first base to bring Sikes home and Portland led, 3-1.
In the top of the sixth, Nathan Hickey doubled for the second time of the ballgame to record his third double with Portland. Hickey advanced to third on a single by Chase Meidroth before scoring on a sacrifice fly by Matthew Lugo. The Sea Dogs extended the lead, 5-1 after an RBI single by Corey Rosier scored Meidroth.
Hunter Goodman recorded an RBI double in the bottom of the ninth but Portland held on to take game four, 5-2.
Portland reliever RHP Rio Gomez (2-1, 3.00 ERA) earned the win after tossing 4.0 perfect innings with four strikeouts. He did not issue a walk. Hartford starter RHP Nick Garcia (0-2, 8.49 ERA) was issued the loss after pitching 5.0 innings allowing five runs on eight hits while walking one and striking out four.
The Sea Dogs return to Dunkin' Park tomorrow, May 20, 2023 for game five of a six-game series against the Hartford Yard Goats. First pitch for game five is slated for 6:10pm. Portland will send RHP Brian Van Belle (1-2, 2.76 ERA) to the mound while Hartford will give the ball to RHP Case Williams (1-5, 9.29 ERA).
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