The bats come alive, Portland wins 10-4

Tony Thomas 4-for-4, finishes a homer shy of the cycle.
Portland, Maine - The Sea Dogs (20-11) scored 10 runs over three innings, pounded out 13 hits, en route to a 10-4 win over the Reading Fightin Phils (13-18) on Wednesday night at Hadlock Field. Portland completed the series win over Reading, taking two of three, and finished the homestand at 4-2.

Franklin Morales became the 30th Major League Rehab Assignment in franchise history and the 24th as a Red Sox affiliate. Morales, who made the start, fired two scoreless frames on three hits, no walks and three strikeouts. The lefty threw 18 of 24 pitches for strikes.

Drake Britton (3-2) earned the win in relief of Morales. The lefty pitched six innings on seven hits, three runs (two earned), one walk and five strikeouts. Pete Ruiz worked the ninth, yielding homer a homer to Miguel Abreu, but struck out the side.

David Buchanan (1-4) suffered the loss for the Fightin Phils, allowing nine runs (eight earned) on 10 hits over 3.2 IP.

Tony Thomas led Portland's offense, going 4-for-4 with 3 RBI, two doubles and a triple.

Portland took a 4-0 lead in the third inning off Buchanan. Xander Bogaerts (3 RBI) drove in the first run by reaching on a shortstop's error. J.C. Linares nailed an RBI single to left and Thomas delivered a two-run double off the Maine Monster.

In the fourth, the 'Dogs scored five times, sending all nine men to the plate. Peter Hissey (3-for-5, 2 RBI) knocked in the fifth run, with a run-scoring single to center field. Bogaerts followed with a two-run triple to right-center field, his fourth triple of the year.
Thomas added a run-scoring triple and Michael Almanzar lined an RBI single to left.

Portland added a run in the fifth inning off Tyler Knigge. Christian Vazquez led off with a double and scored on a run-scoring ground out by Hissey.

The Sea Dogs received a hit from seven of nine starters, with all but one reaching base (Travis Shaw 0-for-5).

Prime Motor Group Player of the Game: Tony Thomas (4-for-4, 3 RBI, 2 2B, 3B)

The Sea Dogs open up a five-game series in four days with the New Britain Rock Cats (Twins affiliate) on Thursday night at New Britain Stadium. Knuckleballer Charlie Haeger (0-0, 0.00) makes his second start of the year for Portland. Right-hander Trevor May (1-1, 3.90) gets the call for the 'Cats. Radio coverage begins at 6:150 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.