Rock Cats Take Fifth Straight Win

Published on April 14, 2011 under Eastern League (EL1)
New Britain Rock Cats News Release


NEW BRITAIN, CT - New Britain's Bobby Lanigan turned in an impressive start and Joe Benson powered the offense as the Rock Cats downed Portland, 6-2 before a sellout crowd of 6,684 fans on Opening Night at New Britain Stadium.

With the first home victory of the season, the Rock Cats (6-2) extended its win streak to five in a row. The `Cats took an early lead courtesy of Ray Chang's solo home run against his former team with two outs in the bottom of the first. Chris Parmelee followed with a walk before scoring on a line drive double by Benson for the 2-0 advantage.

Portland cut the lead in half in the next inning on a solo shot to left field by Will Middlebrooks.

The Rock Cats showcased what its offense is capable of this season with a four-run third inning. Yangervis Solarte opened the inning with a line drive base hit to center and Parmelee delivered a one-out double to put both runners in scoring position. Benson, the 2010 Minnesota Twins' Minor League Player of the Year, came through once again with a two-run double to left field for the 4-0 lead. Evan Bigley followed with a single to right that knocked in Benson. A throwing error by right fielder Chih-Hsien Chiang allowed Bigley to move to second before he advanced to third on a flyout. Bigley then scored on a single by Mark Dolenc to cap off the scoring for the inning.

Lanigan (1-1), who was making his second start of the season, scattered five hits while limiting the Sea Dogs to two runs (1 ER) through six innings. He struck out four. Cole DeVries closed out the game with three shutout innings in relief. He struck out four while allowing just one hit to notch his first save of the season.

Brock Huntzinger (0-2) suffered the loss as he was lit up for six earned runs on seven hits in 2 2/3 innings.

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Eastern League Stories from April 14, 2011


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