Benintendi flexes muscle for Sea Dogs

Andrew Benintendi's introduction to the Eastern League hasn't been the smoothest, but the third-ranked Red Sox prospect took a big step toward sunnier days on Friday night.

Benintendi collected three hits, including his first Double-A homer, and fell a triple shy of the cycle as Portland rolled to an 8-3 win over visiting Richmond.

Since his promotion from Class A Advanced Salem on May 16, the 2015 first-round pick had slashed .205/.251/.282 with five extra-base hits in 78 at-bats. He had two extra-base hits Friday and brought his average up to .229 with his first three-hit performance with the Sea Dogs.

"Just trying to stick to my approach," Benintendi told the Portland Press Herald.

Batting from the three-hole, Benintendi helped ignite a five-run first with a line drive single to right that loaded the bases. He scored the Sea Dogs' third run of the frame on Jake Romanski's base hit, then belted his first Double-A home run, a monster blast to right leading off the third against Giants No. 17 prospect Kyle Crick.

Benintendi's double to center in the fourth plated Ryan Court for his second RBI of the night. Needing a triple to complete the cycle, he lined to short in the sixth and struck out in the eighth.

It was a breakout game for the seventh overall pick last year, who hit .341/.413/.563 with 32 RBIs in 34 Carolina League games. However, the hits have not been falling as consistently during his first month in the Eastern League. 

Despite Benintendi's early struggles, Sea Dogs hitting coach Jon Nunnally told the newspaper that he likes what he's seen from the 21-year-old outfielder.

"He doesn't let things bother him because he knows he can hit," the former Major Leaguer said. "He has a smooth swing."

Five different players drove in a run for Portland, led by Benintendi and Aneury Tavarez, who also drove in two with a pair of doubles. Keith Couch (4-1) allowed three runs on seven hits and two walks with five strikeouts in seven frames to get the win.

Crick (1-5) dropped his fifth consecutive decision after surrendering six runs on eight hits in 2 2/3 innings. He walked one and struck out one.