Sea Dogs fall in 10 innings 6-5

Couch's performance not enough for Dogs

New Britain, Connecticut - The Portland Sea Dogs went to their second straight extra-inning game
Sunday, but ultimately fell to New Britain by a score of 6-5.

Daniel Ortiz's RBI single off Will Latimer (0-1) with two outs in the tenth scored Curt Smith from third base. Smith singled and advanced to third on a James Beresford double.

Connecticut native and University of Connecticut product Matt Barnes struggled in his outing Sunday. Barnes pitched only two and a third innings, giving up five runs (all earned) on six hits. He struck out one and walked two batters.

Keith Couch was outstanding out of the bullpen for Portland. He relieved Barnes and threw four and two thirds innings of scoreless relief. Couch gave up one hit while striking out three and walking two.

New Britain's Blake Martin went four and two thirds innings. He gave up five runs on seven hits. He struck out three and walked one.

Portland scored quickly to open up the ballgame. Travis Shaw's RBI groundout in the top of the first drove in Shannon Wilkerson from third base to make the score 1-0 Sea Dogs.

New Britain responded in the bottom of the third. Nate Hanson's RBI single to center with the bases loaded tied the ballgame up 1-1. Barnes then issued a four-pitch walk to Josmil Pinto to make the score 2-1 New Britain. Evan Bigley put the Rock Cats in the lead 4-1 with a two RBI single. Keith Couch would replace Barnes and would allow an inherited runner to score on a Reynaldo Rodriguez sacrifice fly to give New Britain a 5-1 lead.

Portland would tie it up in the 5th. Shaw continued his hot hitting with a two RBI double to make the score 5-3. Tony Thomas would tie the game at five a piece with a two RBI double of his own.

Prime Motor Group Player of the Game: Keith Couch (4.2 IP, H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 SO)

The Sea Dogs open up a three-game series on Monday night in Binghamton, New York against the Mets. Right-hander Anthony Ranaudo gets the start for Portland. The B-Mets counter with righty Cory Mazzoni. Radio coverage begins at 6:15 PM on the U.S. Cellular Sea Dogs Radio Network and via the Tune-In Radio app for smartphones and tablets. Portland returns home on April 18th to celebrate their 20th season with an appearance from Charles Johnson. Tickets are available online at seadogs.com or by calling 207-879-9500.