Sea Dogs hold on for a 3-2 win at New Britain

Matt Spring 4-for-4, Ranaudo fires six scoreless

New Britain, Connecticut -  The Portland Sea Dogs (22-13) held on for a 3-2 win over the New Britain Rock Cats (20-17) on Sunday afternoon at New Britain Stadium.  With the victory, Portland managed a split of the four-game set, and hasn't lost a series on the road this season (4-0-1).

The series finale ended in dramatic fashion.  Brock Huntzinger allowed a two-out single to Danny Santana, which hit the first-base bag and rolled down the right-field line.  Travis Shaw tracked it down and threw to Huntzinger at first base, nailing Santana, who took a wide turn around first.  Huntzinger made it 8-for-8 in save changes, recording the final five outs.

Anthony Ranaudo (5-1) became the third 5-game winner in the Eastern League.  The former standout at LSU, hurled six scoreless frames on three hits, three walks and five strikeouts.  Ranaudo stranded five runners and held New Britain 0-for-4 with runners-in-scoring position.

New Britain lefty Logan Darnell (3-2) worked a season-high eight innings on 10 hits and three runs to take the loss.

Portland scored in their first turn for the second straight day -  both RBI's courtesy of Tony Thomas.  Shannon Wilkerson led off the game with a double and scored on Thomas' single to left.

Matt Spring began a 4-hit game (first of his professional career) by clobbering a solo-homer in the second inning to give Portland a 2-0 lead.  The homer was the first allowed by Darnell this season, covering 40.1 IP.

Spring delivered in the fourth, following a Kolbrin Vitek double with a bloop-double to center field, giving the 'Dogs a 3-0 advantage.

New Britain cracked the ice in the eighth inning, scoring twice off Keith Couch.  Mark Sobolewski singled and Josmil Pinto slammed a two-run homer to right field.  Huntzinger got a double play to end the eighth when Dan Rohlfing lined to centerfield, but Reynaldo Rodriguez thought there was one out, and was retired 8 to 3.

Shaw went 2-for-4 and nailed his professional triple in the eighth.

Prime Motor Group Player of the Game: Matt Spring (4-for-4, HR, 2 RBI)

The Sea Dogs have a scheduled off day on Monday and return to action on Tuesday night in Manchester, New Hampshire against the Fisher Cats. Lefty Drake Britton (3-2, 4.46) makes his eighth appearance of the year for Portland.  New Hampshire will counter with Right-hander Marcus Walden (1-4, 3.55). 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.