Portland Bests Erie In Series Finale

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Portland Bests Erie In Series Finale
06/11/2009 11:11 PM ET
MiLB.com

The SeaWolves could not cash in on scoring opportunities on Thursday night at Jerry Uht Park as they failed to complete a three-game sweep of Portland in a 5-3 loss.
The Sea Dogs struck first in the top of the first inning against Erie starter Luis Marte. Marte, who had won back-to-back decisions heading into the start, would get touched up for three runs in the first. He gave up back-to-back singles to Josh Reddick and Mark Wagner putting two on with no outs for Jorge Jimenez. Jimenez turned on a Marte fastball and connected on a three-run home run over the wall in right for the 3-0 lead. Marte would allow two more hits in the inning, but got through the first with no further damage.
The 'Wolves struck right back in the bottom of the first against Portland starter Jarod Plummer. With one out, Mike Hollimon drew what would be the first of eight walks for SeaWolves batters on the night. Brennan Boesch followed and slammed an opposite-field home run to left-center, making it a one-run game at 3-2.
The 'Wolves then tied the game in the bottom of the second. Alex Avila led off with a walk and he advanced to third on a single to right by Cale Iorg. With one out, Deik Scram grounded into a fielder's choice, bringing home Avila, making it a 3-3 game.
Portland would retake the lead in the top of the fourth. With two outs, Reid Engel doubled and came home to score on a Reddick base knock for a 4-3 Sea Dogs advantage. Erie would never be able to rebound.
The Sea Dogs added an insurance run against Erie reliever Josh Rainwater in the top of the eighth to go ahead 5-3 when Engel connected on a sacrifice fly with one out to bring home Ryan Khoury. Khoury had reached on a fielder's choice and got to third on a wild pitch.
Despite the eight walks issued to SeaWolves hitters in the game, the Howlers struck out 12 times and were held hitless from the third until the eighth.
In the bottom of the eighth, Ryan Strieby walked with two outs and Casper Wells doubled down the left field line putting the tying runs in scoring position. Portland reliever T.J. Large came in and struck out Avila to get out of the jam.
Erie would once again get the tying runs on base in the ninth but not be able to score, leaving runners on the corners.
Marte (4-6) took the loss going six innings, allowing four runs on nine hits with two walks and five strikeouts.
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.