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Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Portland Stymied by New Hampshire in Series' Opener


Brentz Extends Hitting Streak to Seven Games

Manchester, N.H - New Hampshire benefitted from seven runs in the six and seventh innings as Portland suffered its' third consecutive loss. The 'Dogs scratched in one run in the 6th, but failed to push across any more leaving the bases loaded twice in the 8-1 loss, lasting 2:45, at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium.

Stolmy Pimentel went into the contest looking for his second straight; second overall, win on the road. Pimentel allowed a run in the first but settled in shutting the Fisher Cats down over the next four innings. He would be lifted after being touched up for three more runs in the 6th inning. Pimentel took the loss (5-7) going six innings deep while giving up four runs on nine hits. He also struck out five and walked one.

Fernando Hernandez (5-7) tossed four no hit innings before a run came across against him in the fifth. Hernandez earned the win firing six innings racking up four strikeouts while walking four.

The Fisher Cats scored the game's first run of the game in the opening frame which would prove to be the lone run in the first five innings. After a lead-off single by Ryan Goins, Jake Marisnick knocked his 10th double of the season into left field. The 'Dogs then conceded a run as Brad Glenn grounded out to Derrik Gibson scoring Goins on the play putting the Cats up 1-0.

Portland threatened immediately in its half of the 6th inning. Peter Hissey, Marquez Smith and Bryce Brentz each singled loading the bases with nobody out. Travis Shaw drove Peter Hissey home on a sacrifice fly to left tying the game at one. Smith and Brentz both advanced on the play. New Hampshire starter Fernando Hernandez was able to escape further damage in the inning. He retired Xander Bogaerts and Christian Vazquez as Portland left three runners on.

The single by Brentz extended his hitting streak to seven games. He is batting 16-for-32 (.500) during that stretch.

New Hampshire batted around snagging the lead right back, 4-1, during its at bat in the 6th. Brad McElroy and Marisnick sandwiched a Ryan Goins sacrifice bunt with a pair a singles putting runners on the corners. Ryan Schimpf doubled McElroy and Marisnick across the plate and Schimpf would come around to score on a Brian Van Kirk single capping the 6th inning scoring.

Four additional runs were scored by New Hampshire extending the club's advantage over Portland to 8-1 in the 7th. The scoring was highlighted by Goins seventh homer of the year and a two RBI double by Gabe Jacobo.

Portland made a late push to get back into the game loading the bases without the benefit of a hit in the 8th. Fisher Cat reliever and former Sea Dog, Chorye Spoone, focused up and struck out the next three batters ending the Portland threat. New Hampshire's relievers Ronald Uviedo, Spoone and Matt Daly each threw a scoreless inning.

Prime Motor Group Player of the Game- Shannon Wilkerson, 2-for-4.

Portland's late season playoff push continues in New Hampshire as the Sea Dogs take on the Fisher Cats in game two of the four game set Tuesday August, 28th at 6:35 PM. Portland righty Mike MacDonald (2-2, 5.36) is scheduled to start against the Fisher Cats' right hander Ryan Tepera (7-2, 4.50). To listen to all the game action tune into 95.5/95.9 FM WPEI. Tickets are available by calling 207-879-9500 or at www.seadogs.com.

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