Squirrels Spoil Fields' Day

Portland, Maine-Mark Minicozzi blasted a three run homer off Josh Fields in a four run eighth inning to lead the Richmond Flying Squirrels to a 4-3 victory Sunday afternoon at Hadlock Field before a crowd of 6,437. Richmond salvaged the final game of the three game series as the Sea Dogs (27-35) completed the six game homestand with a 4-2 record.

Portland starter Drake Britton was outstanding in his second Double-A start tossing 5.1 shutout innings holding the Flying Squirrels to three hits. The southpaw walked two and struck out five. Britton has now tossed 20.1 consecutive scoreless innings dating back to May 25th. Britton was lifted with two on and one out in the sixth inning.

The Sea Dogs wasted no time providing run support for Britton scoring two runs in the first inning off Richmond starter Craig Westcott. Jeremy Hazelbaker led-off the game with a walk, advanced to second on a passed ball and scored on a Juan Carlos Linares RBI double. Richmond starter walked Reynaldo Rodriguez and Bryce Brentz leading to a RBI single off the bat of Matt Spring.

Portland added an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth when Hazelbaker singled home Derrick Gibson, who led-off the inning with a double.

Chorye Spoone relieved Britton in the sixth and escaped a bases loaded jam to preserve the Sea Dogs lead.

Richmond exploded in the eighth inning for four runs. After retiring Daniel Mayora, Spoone yielded a single to Tommy Joseph and was lifted in favor of Josh Fields. Fields walked Juan Perez and surrendered a three run homer to Minicozzi to tie the game. Ryan Cavan produced the game winning hit with a RBI double to score Ehire Adrianza. Fields (1-3) lasted only a third of an inning allowing three runs on three hits, issuing two walks and suffering the loss.

Brett Bochy (4-2) earned the win firing two shutout innings. Austin Fleet recorded his third save with a perfect ninth inning.

The Sea Dogs will have an off day on Monday. On Tuesday they will start a six game road trip with a 7:05 PM game from Prince George's Stadium in Bowie, Maryland against the Baysox. The Sea Dogs will send right-handed pitcher Stolmy Pimentel (1-2, 5.24) to the mound. Bowie will send righty Bobby Bundy (2-8, 5.46) to the hill. Mike Antonellis will have the play-by-play action on 95.5/ 95.9 FM WPEI. The Sea Dogs will return to Hadlock Field for a three game homestand against the Harrisburg Senators June 19-21. Tickets are available for all Sea Dogs' home games. Book your nine inning vacation by calling 207-879-9500 or order online at www.seadogs.com.