Gonzales Drives in Three, Sea Dogs Rally Falls Short in 8-7 Loss

Richmond, VA - The Portland Sea Dogs (25-27)(60-60) came up just shy in a late rally, falling 8-7 to the Richmond Flying Squirrels (28-23)(71-48) on Tuesday night.

Every Sea Dog recorded at least one hit, as they outhit their opponent 12-9. Justin Gonzales was two-for-four with a two-run home run, an RBI single, and a walk, driving in three runs while scoring twice. He has two home runs and three multi-hit games through his first five games in Double-A. Johanfran Garcia was three-for-four with an RBI and a walk. Henry Godbout had a clutch two-RBI single, and Max Ferguson drove in a run with a two-out double.

Richmond struck first in the first inning. Trevor Cohen earned a leadoff walk and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Sabin Ceballos walked before a passed ball allowed Cohen to score, and Ceballos to advance to second. He stole third and scored on a Lisbel Diaz groundout, and it was 2-0 Richmond.

In the bottom of the third, Richmond doubled their lead. Cohen singled and advanced to second on a balk. Croes singled to put runners on the corners. Richmond attempted a double steal and the Sea Dogs elected to throw out Croes at second base, but Cohen scored. With the bases empty, Ceballos homered and it was 4-0 Richmond.

Miguel Bleis led off the fifth inning with a single, before scoring on Gonzales’ two-run blast.

The Flying Squirrels added another pair of runs in the bottom of the fifth. Zane Zielinski doubled to lead off the inning and Cohen walked. Croes singled to drive in Zielinski. Cohen advanced to third base on a deep flyout before scoring on a Diaz sacrifice fly.

The Sea Dogs offense came together in the sixth inning. Will Turner led off with a double before advancing to third on a deep flyout by Ronald Rosario. Max Ferguson doubled to drive in Turner, and McDonough walked to put runners on first and second. Richmond made a pitching change, but Gonzales came through with an RBI single to cut the deficit to 6-4, and put runners on the corners. Johanfran Garcia walked to load the bases before Godbout’s clutch two-RBI single tied the game 6-6.

Richmond had an answer in the bottom of the inning, scoring two more runs on Cohen and Croes RBI singles.

In the top of the eighth, Portland loaded the bases with nobody out. Garcia drove in one run with a single, but Richmond recovered to end the inning still in front, 9-8.

Richmond came through with two clutch defensive plays to close out the ninth inning and take the game one victory.

RHP Logan Martin (3-1, 4.30 ERA) earned the win, allowing two runs on two hits and three walks with a pair of strikeouts in 1.1 innings pitched. LHP Tyler Davis (1-2, 5.56 ERA) was handed the loss, allowing two runs on three hits and a walk in 1.1 innings of work. LHP Jack Choate (S, 1) earned his first save of the season.

Tomorrow night, LHP Hayden Mullins (3-5, 4.80 ERA) is scheduled to face RHP Yunior Marte (2-4, 3.92 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm at CarMax Park.