Freiman's 3-Run Homer Lifts 'Dogs to 9-8 Win

Portland, Maine - Nate Freiman clobbered a one-out three homer in the eighth inning, as the Portland Sea Dogs (27-47) rallied back to beat the Reading Fightin Phils (53-23), 9-8, Sunday afternoon at Hadlock Field in front of 6,631 fans. Portland snapped a four-game losing streak, and have 6 wins against the Fightins this season.

The Sea Dogs finished 3-for-19 with runners-in-scoring position, squandering two great opportunities in the sixth and seventh, but rallied against losing pitcher Hoby Milner (4-1) in the eighth. Andrew Benintendi ignited the comeback with a single and Cody Decker doubled off the wall. Freiman's homer was his fifth and his third over the Maine Monster.

The Top 3 in the lineup (Yoan Moncada 2-for-5, Mauricio Dubon 2-for-3 and Benintendi 3-for-4) for Portland reached base 10 times.

Austin Maddox (2-0) worked two scoreless frames, stranding two runners in the ninth to earn the win. Nik Turley fanned 7 over 3 scoreless innings in relief of McAvoy.

Portland dropped three in the first off starter Tyler Viza, receiving a two-run double by Benintendi, who scored on an error by 3B Harold Martinez. Martinez made up for that error, slamming a 3-run homer in the second, tying the game at three.

Reading would score in three straight frames, taking a 6-3 lead in third. Rhys Hoskins reached on a run-scoring fielder's choice, Jake Fox added a two-run single. Portland responded in their half of the third, cutting the deficit to 6-5 on a two-run single by Cole Sturgeon.

Kevin McAvoy's final inning was the fourth and he surrendered a two-run homer to Jorge Alfaro, giving the Fightins an 8-5 lead. Dubon nailed a run-scoring double in the fourth, making it 8-6 Reading.

The Sea Dogs had a great chance in the sixth, loading the bases on three walks, but Gregory Infante fanned Decker and Freiman to end the inning.

Portland out-hit Reading 38-35 in the series, and their win in a 3-run deficit was their largest comeback of the season.

The Portland Sea Dogs and Trenton Thunder (Yankees affiliate) open up a 3-game series on Monday night at Waterfront Park in Trenton, New Jersey. RHP Keith Couch (4-3, 4.81) makes his ninth start of the season for the 'Dogs. Trenton has LHP Jordan Montgomery (5-3, 3.09) on the hill. Radio Coverage on the U.S. Cellular Sea Dogs Radio Network begins at 6:40 PM. Broadcast is also available on the Tunein App and MiLB.TV.

Portland's next homestand is June 30-July 3 against the Hartford Yard Goats (Rockies affiliate). Tickets are available by calling 207-879-9500 or at seadogs.com.