New Britain, CT - Marquez Smith put an end to the longest game the Sea Dogs (62-66) have been a part of since April 16, 2008 with a two run blast in the 'Dogs half of the 15th inning. Tuesday's marathon matchup between Portland and the Rock Cats (68-61) lasted 4:44 at New Britain Stadium. Portland has won eight of its last nine games and is 25-12 since the All-Star break.
The Sea Dogs' bullpen held strong Tuesday firing 10 spotless innings. Chris Balcom-Miller, Caleb Clay, Ryan Pressly and Brock Huntzinger combined in the effort after taking over for Kehrt in the 6th. Clay went three hitless frames and racked up a season high five strikeouts. Clay, Pressly and Huntzinger have been scoreless in 26 of their last 32 innings. The four struck out a total of 13 and walked three batters while allowing four base knocks. Huntzinger (4-5) picked up the win finishing the night for the Portland pitchers.
New Britain jumped in front early. With two outs in the Cats first inning, Oswaldo Arcia hit his 18th double of the season to centerfield setting the stage for Chris Colabello. Colabello followed with a single to left field sending Arcia home for the game's first run, putting New Britain in front of Portland 1-0.
Lead-off singles by Aaron Hicks and Chris Herrmann in the 3rd inning had New Britain threatening with runners on the corners and nobody out. Hicks scored doubling the Cats lead to 2-0 on a Travis Shaw fielding error at first base off the bat of Arcia. Jeremy Kehrt got out of the frame, though, by retiring the next three batters.
Albers pitched four consecutive perfect innings from the 2nd to the 5th retiring 14 straight batters but the 'Dogs touched him up in the top half of the 6th inning to even the score at two. With Gentile on first, Jeremy Hazelbaker doubled for the 19th time this season putting him and Gentile in scoring position. Following a Marquez Smith walk, Bryce Brentz hit a two run scoring single sending Gentile and Hazelbaker home.
Portland starter Jeremy Kehrt's night was complete after tossing five innings of two run baseball. Kehrt came away with a no decision allowing five hits and he has not lost since July 7th.
Andrew Albers night came to a close after 5.2 innings. Albers had the Sea Dogs looking for answers early throwing four consecutive perfect innings but gave up the tying runs in the 6th which was his final frame. Albers gave up five hits and struck out four.
Prime Motor Group Player of the Game: Marquez Smith 3-for-6, 2 RBI, game winning home run, Caleb Clay 3 IP, 5 K's, 0 H, Brock Huntzinger 3 IP, W (4-5).
Portland looks to sweep the three game series against the New Britain Rock Cats Wednesday, August 22 at 7:05 PM from New Britain Stadium. Sea Dog Righty Stolmy Pimentel (4-6, 4.16) is slated to take the mound against New Britain's southpaw Luke French (2-0, 1.64). 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.
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