Home runs power Sea Dogs to 5-2 victory at Reading

Thomas, Vazquez, both homer in win.
Reading, PA - The Portland Sea Dogs (37-34) earned a series split with the Reading Fightin Phils (30-41) with a 5-2win on Thursday night at First Energy Stadium.

Christian Vazquez and Tony Thomas both homered for the Dogs. Thomas' solo shot in the 3rd inning was his seventh of the year. Vazquez hit a two-run blast in the 6th off Reading starter Jesse Biddle. It was Vazquez's second home run off Biddle this season, the first coming on April 10th. Vazquez is 4-for-5 with six RBI and a walk this season against Biddle.

Biddle (3-7) struggled with command, issuing six walks in 6.0 IP. He gave up five runs (all earned) and struck out five. He dropped to 0-2 on the season against the Sea Dogs.

Keith Couch (5-2) was effective once again for Portland. Couch threw 6.0 innings of two-run ball. He issued four walks while striking out four. The Sea Dogs moved to 2-1 in Couch's starts. Couch also earned his first quality start of the season.

Michael McCarthy, promoted from High-A Salem today, worked two scoreless frames to earn his first save of the season. Will Latimer worked a scoreless 7th inning and earned a hold.

Portland struck first in Thursday night's ballgame. An RBI single from Vazquez and a sacrifice fly from Derrik Gibson made it 2-0 Portland in the top of the 2nd. Reading bounced back to tie the ballgame in the home half of the 2nd when Sebastian Valle drove in two runs with a single.

The home runs from Thomas and Vazquez put Portland ahead 5-2.

Chase Utley went 0-for-5 in a Major League Rehab Assignment for Reading.

Prime Motor Group Player of the Game: Christian Vazquez

The Sea Dogs open up a three-game series tonight against Trenton Thunder from Waterfront Park; game time is 7:05 PM.  LHP Drake Britton (6-5, 3.08) battles Right-hander Scottie Allen, who makes his Double-A debut for Trenton.

Radio coverage begins at 6:45 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 June 24th to entertain the Binghamton Mets in a three-game series. Tickets are available by calling 207-879-9500 or at seadogs.com.