Dominant Pitching Downs Somerset 2-1 on Saturday

Bridgewater, New Jersey - The Portland Sea Dogs (20-16) defeat the Somerset Patriots (18-19) 2-1 with powerful pitching on Saturday night.

Zach Penrod carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning while striking out ten Patriots to tie a career-high. Brendan Cellucci fired 2.0 scoreless before Felix Cepeda pitched a perfect ninth to earn his seventh save of the season. His seven saves leads the Eastern League while tying for the most in all of Double-A.

Portland got on the board first in the top of the second inning. Phillip Sikes reached on a throwing error by the third baseman Jordan Groshans before a double from Tyler McDonough (1) would bring him home.

In the top of the fourth, Sikes doubled (4) to left field with two outs before going on to steal third base for his seventh steal of the season. A single to center field from McDonough would score Sikes and give Portland a 2-0 lead.

Penrod did not allow a base runner until two outs in the fifth inning. The first hit of the day for Somerset would come in the bottom of the sixth after a single from Anthony Seigler would put one on. After a pair of walks, a sacrifice fly from Agustin Ramirez would score Seigler from third for the lone run of the day. Portland would hold the 2-1 score to take game five and take a 3-2 edge in the series over Somerset.

LHP Zach Penrod (3-0, 2.10 ERA) earned the win after pitching 6.0 innings allowing one run on one hit while walking three and striking out ten. Brendan Cellucci (1) earned the hold after tossing 2.0 scoreless innings allowing three hits while striking out three. He did not issue a walk. Felix Cepeda (7) earned the save after pitching 1.0 perfect inning while striking out two. RHP Bailey Dees (2-3, 3.99 ERA) was issued the loss after pitching 5.2 innings allowing two runs (1 ER) on five hits while walking two and striking out eight.

The Sea Dogs return to TD Bank Ballpark, tomorrow, May 19th, 2024 for the finale of a six-game series with the Somerset Patriots. First pitch for game six is slated for 1:05pm. LHP Helcris Olivarez (1-0, 1.40 ERA) will start for Portland while Somerset will give the ball to RHP Trystan Vrieling (2-4, 4.99 ERA).