Sea Dogs Split Series in Akron
Published on May 7, 2023 under Eastern League (EL)
Portland Sea Dogs News Release
Akron, Ohio - The Portland Sea Dogs (19-8) split the series with Akron RubberDucks (12-14) after falling 5-4 in the series finale on Sunday afternoon. Despite the loss, the Sea Dogs remain in first place in the Northeast Division, 1.5 games ahead of the Somerset Patriots.
Akron took the lead first in the bottom of the second inning after a lead-off solo home run to right center field by Aaron Bracho. Akron was on the board first, 1-0.
Portland wasted no time tying it up in the top of the third. Phillip Sikes doubled on a line drive to left field to put Portland in scoring position before a single by Nick Yorke brought Sikes in to score. Portland was on the board and the score evened, 1-1.
In the top of the fifth, Christian Koss singled to lead off the inning before stealing second base to record his sixth stolen base of the season. With Koss at second, Tyler McDonough worked a walk to put two runners on. A wild pitch would advance both runners before a single by Sikes brought both runners in to score and Portland took the lead, 3-1.
In the top of the sixth, Matthew Lugo hit a lead off single before Stephen Scott singled to put two Sea Dogs on base. A ground out by Edwin Diaz would advance both runners before a passed ball allowed Lugo to score while advancing Scott and Portland added an insurance run, 4-1.
In the bottom of the sixth, Johnathan Rodriguez hit a lead off single before Bracho doubled to put two RubberDucks on base. A three-run home run by Korey Holland would clear the bases and Akron tied the ballgame again, 4-4.
Akron pulled away in the bottom of the seventh after Lavastida singled before stealing second base to put the RubberDucks in scoring position. A double by Rodriguez would score Lavastida and Akron was on top, 5-4.
Two Sea Dogs recorded multi-hit games. Nick Yorke went two-for-four with a pair of singles while Phillip Sikes went three-for-four with a double and a pair of singles.
Akron reliever RHP Davis Sharpe (2-1, 3.65 ERA) earned the win after tossing 2.2 innings allowing one run on three hits while walking two and striking out three. RHP Cade Smith (8) was given the save after tossing 1.0 scoreless inning allowing one hit while striking out one. He did not issue a walk. Portland reliever RHP Ryan Miller (0-1, 2.63 ERA) was issued the loss after pitching 2.2 innings allowing one run on three hits. He did not issue a walk.
The Sea Dogs return to Hadlock Field to host the Somerset Patriots for a six-game series beginning Tuesday, May 9th, 2023. First pitch for game one is slated for 6:00pm. RHP Blas Castano (2-0, 1.17 ERA) will take the mound for Somerset while the arm for Portland has yet to be announced.
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