Owens dazzles in Portland's 5-1 win at Akron

The lefty sets a franchise record with 27.2 consecutive scoreless innings

Akron, Ohio -  LHP Henry Owens (8-3) is Boston's top pitching prospect for a reason. On Saturday night, the lefty earned his league-leading 8th win, as the Sea Dogs (43-23) beat the Akron RubberDucks (40-29) 5-1 in front of a sellout crowd of 8,107 at Canal Park.

Owens did not allow a run until the sixth inning on Joe Wendle's RBI single, but established a franchise record with 27.2 consecutive scoreless innings, surpassing Kris Johnson's mark of 24 innings in 2008.  The lefty's final line: 6.2 IP, 6 H, R, ER, BB and
7 SO.

Portland gave RHP Duke von Schamann (3-1) his first loss of the season, despite a quality start. Blake Swihart knocked home the first run, delivering a two-out single in the third to plate Derrik Gibson (2-for-4).  Swihart tagged a homer of von Schamann on the first pitch of the sixth, his seventh of the season.

The Sea Dogs added a run in the seventh inning off Tyler Sturdevent, who had not allowed a run in 15 consecutive appearances. Keury De La Cruz (2-for-4) led off with a double and scored on two wild pitches.

Jonathan Roof added the icing on the cake in the ninth inning, delivering a two-run single off Adam Miller.

Portland's Noe Ramirez relieved Owens in the seven and worked 1.1 innings on one hit and one strikeout. Miguel Celestino wrapped up the win with a scoreless ninth.

The Sea Dogs and Akron RubberDucks conclude their three-game series afternoon with a 2:05 PM start this Sunday afternoon at Canal Park. Lefty Brian Johnson (4-1, 1.96) makes his eighth start of the year for Portland. Akron counters with RHP Cody Anderson (2-4, 4.86), who makes his 14th start of the year for Akron. Radio coverage begins at 1:45 PM on the WPEI U.S. Cellular Sea Dogs Radio Network. MiLB.TV coverage starts at 1:55 PM.