Thunder Rain On Sea Dogs Opening Day Parade

Meneses Hits Three-Run Homer for 'Dogs
Portland, Maine - The Trenton Thunder hit four home runs, and their pitching staff recorded 14 strikeouts, taking the season opener from the Portland Sea Dogs 13-5 on Thursday night at Hadlock Field.  Shortstop Stephen Drew went 0-for-3 with an RBI in a Major League Rehab Assignment for the Sea Dogs.  Portland committed five errors in the loss, leading to eight unearned runs.

Kyle Roller knocked in the game's first runs, launching a 3-run shot in the first inning off losing pitcher Drake Britton.  The lefty lasted three innings, yielding five hits on seven runs (three earned), two walks and five strikeouts.  In addition to Roller's homer, Britton surrendered a 3-run homer to J.R. Murphy and Rob Segudin - both in the third inning.

Trenton's bullpen worked 6.1 hitless innings on one walk and fanned 11.  Danny Burawa (1-0) earned the win, retiring all four batters faced (three strikeouts). Shaeffer Hall, Kelvin Perez and Brandon Pinder closed out the win for the visitors.

Portland took a 4-3 lead in the second inning on Heiker Meneses' 3-run homer to centerfield, the 'Dogs final hit of the game.  Shannon Wilkerson went 1-for-4 with a double and scored from second base on a run-scoring ground out by Drew.

Keith Couch worked three strong innings of relief for the Sea Dogs in his Double-A debut. The righty allowed two unearned runs on one hit and fanned four. Daniel Bard made his first Double-A appearance since 2008 and gave up a two-run homer Neil Medchil.  Trenton added two unearned runs off Will Latimer in the eighth inning.

Tonight's game marked the 20th season of Sea Dogs baseball in the City of Portland.  Before the game, longtime Public Address Announcer Dean Rogers, who retired after 19 seasons, threw out the first pitch.

The Sea Dogs and Thunder continue their four-game series on Friday night from Hadlock Field beginning at 6:00 PM.  The Sea Dogs will send right-handed pitcher Brandon Workman to the mound.  Trenton will counter with righty Zach Nuding.  Tickets are available online at seadogs.com or by calling 207-879-9500.  Radio coverage begins at 5:40 on the U.S. Cellular Sea Dogs Radio Network at 5:40 PM.