The South Portland Red Riots opened the 2008 spring season by losing a close home game to Cheverus 5-4 on April 24.
The game was a tight one at the outset, as the Stags quickly jumped out to a 2-0 first inning lead. The Riots evened the score in the bottom of the second and then jumped out to a 4-2 lead with two runs in the bottom of the fourth. However, the Stags rallied for three runs in the top of the sixth and held on for a 5-4 win.
For the Riots, Jon DiBiase led the team with three hits and 2 RBIs. Josh Mackie chipped in with a double for South Portland.
Two days later, on April 26, the Riots put the loss behind them and got their first win of the season, blanking Kennebunk 9-0 on the road.
South Portland did most of their damage in the third inning, when they scored six times to blow the game open. The Riots’ Mike Dicenso had one of the big hits of the inning, smacking a two-run double during the rally.
Other top hitters for the Riots included Mike Foley, who had a double and Travis Gulliver, who smacked a triple. David Hardison had three hits for South Portland.
On the mound, the Riots’ Nick Folan tossed six shutout innings with seven strikeouts to get the win for South Portland.
The Riots were scheduled to play at Portland on April 29, after the Current’s deadline. Following that game, which was threatened by heavy rains, the Riots will be home for three straight games, hosting Westbrook on May 1 at 4 p.m., Gorham on May 2 at 4 p.m. and Massabesic on May 6 at 4 p.m.
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