Sea Dogs and Rock Cats split twinbill

Shaw and Spring homer in the opener

New Britain, Connecticut - The Portland Sea Dogs (21-12) and New Britain Rock Cats (18-17) split a doubleheader on Friday night at New Britain Stadium in front of 7,194 fans.  Portland has won eight of 12 from the Rock Cats this season, and still holds the best record in the Eastern League.

Game 1 Recap

Matt Spring's two-run homer in the fourth inning, proved to be the game winner, as 'the Dogs took the opener 6-4.  Chris Martin closed out the win; recording the final four outs for his third save of the year.  Martin extended his scoreless streak to 21 innings, tying Clay Buchholz for the fourth longest in team history.

Despite allowing 12 base runners, Charlie Haeger (1-0) earned his first win of the season.  The knuckleballer worked 5.2 innings, yielding five hits, four runs and five walks. Haeger recorded one strikeout, while hitting two batters and uncorking three wild pitches.

Right-hander Cole De Vries took the loss for New Britain.  De Vries, who was on a Major League Rehab Assignment with the Rock Cats, allowed five runs (two earned) over 5 IP.

Travis Shaw gave Portland a 3-2 lead in the third inning, launching a two-out, three-run homer over the right-field wall.  Shaw has both homers this week, and both with two outs.

New Britain came right back in their half of the third, scoring two off Haeger.  Danny Santana tied the game with a single and Curt Smith added a run-scoring ground out.

The Rock Cats scored twice in the first inning off Haeger.  Mark Sobolewski drove in the first run with a sacrifice fly and Danny Ortiz nailed a run-scoring double.

Heiker Meneses added an RBI single in the sixth inning for the final run of the game.

Prime Motor Group Player of the Game: Matt Spring (1-for-2, HR, 2 RBI, BB)

Game 2 Recap

The Portland Sea Dogs were shut out 6-0 in game two of their double header with the Rock Cats on Friday at New Britain Stadium. Portland pitching surrendered ten hits in the seven-inning contest, while Portland hitters could only muster two hits.

Trevor May (2-1) was outstanding for New Britain, pitching a 2-hit shutout, his league-leading second of the season.  The righty walked one and fanned a season-high 10 batters.

Brandon Workman (4-1) took the loss for Portland, working five and one-third innings, giving up four runs on a season-high eight hits. He struck out six while walking two batters.

New Britain took a 1-0 lead in the second inning on a run-scoring double by Dan Rohlfing. Jason Christian added to the Rock Cats lead in the home half of the fifth inning with a two-RBI triple to center. Rohlfing's second double of the night scored Danny Ortiz to make it 4-0 New Britain in the bottom of the 6th. An RBI single from Antoan Richardson and an RBI single from Christian made the score 6-0.

Xander Bogaerts and Peter Hissey had the hits for Portland - both singles.

Prime Motor Group Player of the Game: Xander Bogaerts (1-for-2, HBP)

The Sea Dogs and Rock Cats continue their 4-game series tonight, beginning at 6:35 PM from New Britain Stadium.  Right-hander Matt Barnes (3-1, 5.19) makes the start in his home state. Lefty Logan Darnell (3-1, 3.00) makes his 8th start of the season for the Rock Cats. 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 May 17th to open up a 7-game homestand against the Binghamton Mets. Tickets are available by calling 207-879-9500 or at seadogs.com.