Hot Dogs on a Roll!

(Excuse my excitement here.)

The Portland Sea Dogs made it two in a row (and three of four) in beating the New Britain Rock Cats 3-2 Thursday night. Former major league pitcher Rick Helling (who started out on a rehab assignment, but never was recalled by the Twins) got the start for New Britain and pitched well, allowing only two runs on five hits over seven innings. Helling was touched for a home run by John Hattig (his 10th) and a run scoring single by Eric Johnson. Hattig also had a double and a walk for the Sea Dogs. Portland's starter Chris Smith was equal to the task. Smith allowed a two-run home run to pesky Luis Maza in scattering four hits (including a triple by Maza) and striking out nine in six innings of work. Jason Howell got the win in relief and Joe Nelson struck out three in picking up his 7th save. Portland scratched out the winning run in the top of the 8th with a single by light hitting catcher Edgar Martinez, an error and a sac fly by Brett Ronenberg.

The Sea Dogs returned home to host the Harrisburg Senators over the weekend.

Please refer to the Box Score.