Dogs Sweep Back Into First

Safely away from the (apparently) unfriendly confines of Hadlock Field, the Sea Dogs swept the New Hampshire Fisher Cats over the weekend. The sweep, combined with Akron’s taking two of three from the Trenton Thunder, put the Sea Dogs back into first in the see-saw EL North, half a game ahead of Trenton and 1.5 games up on New Hampshire.

Pitching was the name of the game for the Sea Dogs, despite the fact that the team skipped ace Jon Lester’s turn in the rotation to give the young lefty some extra rest. Friday night Anibal Sanchez shook off his rough Hadlock debut to shut out New Hampshire over seven innings, allowing just three hits and two walks while striking out 11 in Portland’s 4-0 victory. On Saturday, David Pauley allowed a run on four hits and one walk in seven innings of work to outduel Vince Perkins 3-1. Sunday’s finale featured two 10th inning home runs (off the bats of Kenny Perez and Brandon Moss) for a 5-3 win. Dr. Jekyll showed up this time, allowing three runs (only one earned) on three hits and a walk in also pitching seven innings. With the starters pitching deeper into the games than they had over the past couple of weeks the bullpen received a much-needed break.

David Murphy was the hitting star over the weekend, collecting six hits, including two homers, and knocking in 7 runs in 13 at bats. Also of note, the Red Sox continue to get Hanley Ramirez experience at other defensive positions. After playing five games at second base, the gifted shortstop manned the hot corner on Sunday. Rumors will undoubtedly continue to swirl around Boston’s plan for Ramirez at least until Sunday’s trade deadline.