Dogs Sweep Cats

This time it was the Fisher Cats, as the Sea Dogs took four in a row in New Hampshire. The Sea Dogs got strong pitching throughout the series.

On Friday, Portland came from behind for a 6-3 win. The Sea Dogs have been on the other end of come-from-behind rallies several times this season, so it was good to have one go their way for a change. Charlie Zink had another good outing (two runs, 6K in 6 1/3 IP), while the offense was paced by John Hattig and Joe Kilburg (3 hits apiece), and Mike O'Keefe, who had two hits and two RBI during the late ralley.

Jerome Gamble led the way by allowing four hits and one run over seven innings in a 5-1 victory. Bret Ronenberg and Jeff Bailey both homered in dropping New Hampshire's Cameron Reimers' record to 6-2.

It was Abe Alvarez' turn on Sunday. The crafty lefty was perfect through five before finishing with a seven-inning, three hit, two run performance in the 8-5 win. Abe's control was again immaculate as he allowed no walks and struck out four during the outing before the Fisher Cats touched the bullpen for three runs. Mike Campo had three hits, including a homer, and three RBI, and Ronenberg also homered in leading the 13-hit Sea Dog attack.

Portland completed the sweep on Memorial Day, finishing off the Cats 5-3. Chris Smith started and allowed just one run in five innings pitched, striking out six in the process. Jeff Bailey hit two home runs for four RBI, while John Hattig's three hits and Mike O'Keefe's two safeties also paced the offense.

Portland is now in a virtual tie for fifth place, percentage points ahead of the New Britain Rock Cats and only 3.5 games behing the Fisher Cats for second place in the EL North.