AKRON, Ohio - Xander Bogaerts hit a go-ahead solo home run in the top of the sixth inning and sent the Portland Sea Dogs (55-63) to the 5-3 win over the Akron Aeros (68-48) Thursday night at Canal Park in Akron. The win clinched the season series for the Sea Dogs over the Aeros four games to two. It is the first season series win for Portland over Akron since 1998.
With the game tied at 3-3 entering the sixth inning, Bogaerts stepped up for his third Double-A plate appearance in search of his first Double-A hit. With a 2-1 count in his favor, the shortstop blasted a fastball over the batter's eye in right-center for a solo home run, and his first hit in Portland.
Matt Spring hit an RBI groundout in the seventh that plated Bryce Brentz and gave Portland a two-run advantage.
The 'Dogs found themselves down 3-0 after three and the wheels began to turn in the fifth. With two down and the bases loaded, Jeremy Hazelbaker doubled off of T.J. House and picked up the first two RBI of the game, cutting the deficit to 3-2. Brentz followed with an RBI single that plated Marquez Smith and tied the game.
The Aeros jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the third inning against Portland starter Jeremy Kehrt. Tyler Holt scored the first run for Akron on a double by Jordan Henry. Thomas Neal's fielder's choice plated Henry and a Nick Weglarz double capped off the scoring in the inning and drove home Neal.
Both starters, House and Kehrt, tossed five innings and gave up three earned runs.
The Bogaerts blast put Kehrt (7-3) in line for his seventh win. Ryan Pressly was first out of the 'pen for Portland and the righty allowed just a hit and a walk in two scoreless frames. He fanned three.
Michael Olmsted locked down his second save, in as many appearances, with two perfect innings of relief. The big righty struck out three and still has yet to allow a run in Double-A.
Rob Bryson (4-3) was the first called upon in relief for the Aeros. He gave up the Bogaerts home run and Spring RBI groundout and took the loss.
Prime Motor Group Players of the Game: Xander Bogaerts 2-for-5 HR, RBI
Jeremy Hazelbaker 2-for-5 2 RBI
Michael Olmsted - S, 2IP, 0H, 0R, 1 BB, 3K
The Sea Dogs continue a six game road trip with the opener of a three game series against the Erie SeaWolves tomorrow night at 7:05 PM. RHP Stolmy Pimentel (4-5, 4.99) will get the start for the Sea Dogs. He will be opposed by Erie's RHP Jared Gayhart (1-2, 4.28). All of the action can be heard live on 95.5/ 95.9 FM WPEI. The Sea Dogs return home for a six game homestand on Tuesday, August 14th. Tickets are available for all remaining 2012 Sea Dogs home games and can be purchased by calling the Sea Dogs Ticket Office at 207-879-9500 or online at www.seadogs.com.
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