Sea Dogs Shutout Akron 1-0
The Akron Aeros out hit the Sea Dogs 7-5 and in the end one unearned run was the difference in the game.
Jason Urquidez made just his third career start and second consecutive for the Sea Dogs. He tied a career high working five shutout innings allowing six hits and a walk while striking out four in a no decision.
Akron lefty Giovanni Soto (6-8) suffered the tough luck loss despite hurling seven outstanding innings scattering four hits. The 21-year old did not walk a batter and struck out five. He allowed one unearned run.
Jeremy Hazelbaker, 2-for-4, had a one out bunt single in the bottom of the sixth off Soto. Hazelbaker advanced to second on a Marquez Smith single to left and came home to score the ballgame's first run when second baseman Justin Toole committed a throwing error on a double play attempt off the bat of Bryce Brentz.
The Sea Dogs bullpen continued to be impressive. Chris Balcom-Miller and Brock Huntzinger each fired two shutout innings. The Portland bullpen has been scoreless in 99 of their last 121 innings.
Balcom-Miller (4-5) earned the win allowing one hit over two scoreless innings of relief. Balcom-Miller has been scoreless in five of his last seven outings.
Huntzinger was perfect over the final two frames to earn his fifth save. He has not allowed a run in four of his last five innings.
Game two of the series will be Wednesday night at 7:00 PM. Maine native Mike MacDonald (1-1, 4.24) will start for the Sea Dogs. He will be opposed by Akron righty Paulo Espino (5-2, 3.14). The action can be heard live on 95.5/ 95.9 FM WPEI. Tickets are available and can be purchased by calling the Sea Dogs Ticket Office at 207-879-9500 or online at www.seadogs.com.