'Dogs and 'Cats split twinbill on Saturday

Portland, Maine- The Portland Sea Dogs (30-14) split a twin bill with New Hampshire (21-22) on Saturday afternoon at Hadlock Field. The Sea Dogs walked it off 5-4 for the third time of the series in game one extending their win streak to seven games before falling 11-1 in game two.

Tyler McDonough’s RBI single in the bottom of the ninth proved to be the game winner for the Sea Dogs.

New Hampshire took the early lead with an RBI groundout by Damiano Palmegiani in the top of the first.

An RBI single by Ceddanne Rafaela in the bottom of the third tied the game at one before an RBI single by Nick Yorke put the Sea Dogs on top, 2-1.

Portland continued to lead 3-2 after an RBI double by Stephen Scott (5) allowed enough time for Sikes to score from first base.

The Fisher Cats tied it up 3-3 after an RBI double from Riley Tirotta and an RBI single from Leo Jimenez scored two more.

The ballgame continued into extra innings as New Hampshire plated one in the top of the ninth.

Portland reliever RHP Jacob Webb (5-1, 4.03 ERA) earned the win after pitching 1.0 inning allowing one run on no hits while striking out one. He did not issue a walk. New Hampshire reliever RHP Hagen Danner (1-1, 3.00 ERA) was issued the loss after pitching 0.0 innings allowing two runs on one hit. He did not issue a walk.

GAME 2

New Hampshire plated eight runs in the top of the second inning, highlighted by a grand slam by Miguel Hiraldo along with a two-run home run by Will Roberston. After sending twelve batters to the plate, New Hampshire scored eight runs on six hits to take the early, 8-0 lead.

The Fisher Cats extended the 9-0 lead after an RBI single by Zac Cook in the top of the fifth.

Damiano Palmegiani blasted a two-run home run in the top of the sixth and Portland trailed, 11-0.

Portland avoided the shutout after a pair of walks by Tyler McDonough and Corey Rosier would put two on base. An RBI double by Phillip Sikes (9) scored McDonough but New Hampshire led, 11-1.

New Hampshire starter RHP Paxton Schultz earned the win after pitching 5.0 innings allowing no runs on five hits while striking out four. He did not issue a walk. Portland starter LHP Rio Gomez (2-2, 6.41 ERA) was issued the loss after pitching 1.2 innings allowing eight runs on six hits while walking two and striking out two.

The Sea Dogs return to Hadlock Field tomorrow, May 28 to host the New Hampshire Fisher Cats for the final game of a six-game series. First pitch for game six is slated for 1:00pm. Portland will give the ball to RHP CJ Liu (4-2, 2.85 ERA) while New Hampshire will start RHP Adam Kloffenstein (3-2, 2.20 ERA).