Sea Dogs Capture Series Opener in Extras

Britton Delivers Gem Going 7 Strong Innings

New Britain, CT- Peter Hissey's RBI single in the 10^th inning gave the Sea Dogs a 4-3 win in the series opener over the New Britain Rock Cats. The 'Dogs are only five games under five hundred for the first time since the club was 3-8 and took sole possession of fourth place in the Eastern League Eastern Division. Every Sea Dog had a hit in the game at New Britain Stadium.

Drake Britton was spectacular as the Portland starter but received a no decision.  All of the offensive damage against the southpaw came in the first inning. Britton gave up two runs as the first four batters reached on singles in the first frame but, cruised from that point on. Britton went seven strong innings and retired 15 out of 16 batters at one point. He only allowed one hit through the remainder of his outing after the first inning. He allowed two runs on five hits and struck out three batters.

Zach Gentile, just received from Single-A Salem, entered the game for Jackie Bradley Jr. in the first inning and went 2-for-2 with two doubles. Bradley, 1-for-1, hurt his ankle rounding second base on a Hazelbaker single. 

The Rock Cats led-off the game with four consecutive singles as part of an early offensive surge staking New Britain to an early 2-0 advantage. After New Britain loaded the bases, Drake Britton threw a wild pitch allowing Aaron Hicks to come to the plate. Chris Colabello followed by singling home Chris Herrmann capping the first inning scoring for the Cats. New Britain would be held scoreless from that point until the bottom of the eigth.

The 'Dogs cut the New Britain Rock Cats lead in half, 2-1, during the fourth frame with the first two batters of the inning. Xander Bogaerts led-off with a single to right field. Bogaerts has hit safely in 9 of the 10 games he has played for the Sea Dogs and Monday was his 7^thmulti-hit game in Double-A. Peter Hissey then hit his 13^th double of the season sending Bogaerts to the plate.

Ryan Dent's RBI double in seventh inning put the Sea Dogs in front of New Britain in the seventh inning 3-2. Dent went 3-for-4 with 2 RBI. That lead lasted until the Rock Cats pushed one across in the 8^th inning off of reliever Michael Olmsted sending the game into extras.

Jason Urquidez (4-2) earned the win. Urquidez pitched the final two innings of the game in shutout fashion giving up one hit striking out one.

New Britain starter B.J. Hermsen took the loss tossing 6.1 innings giving up three runs on 11 hits. The game was played in 3:18 (:22 delay)

Prime Motor Group Players of the Game: Drake Britton: 7 IP, 3 K's, 2 R Peter Hissey: 2-5, 2 RBI, game winning hit.

Portland takes on New Britain in game two of the three game set Tuesday, August 21 at 7:05 PM.  The Sea Dogs will send right handed pitcher Jeremy Kehrt (7-3, 4.09) who will be opposed by New Britain's southpaw Andre Albers (4-3, 3.64). The 'Dogs will be back at Hadlock Field for a four game series on August 23 at 7:00 Pm against the Binghamton Mets. Catch all of the game action on 95.5/95.9 FM WPEI. Tickets are available at www.seadogs.com.