TRENTON, N.J. — A three-game series against the Trenton Thunder turned out to be all-or-nothing for the Portland Sea Dogs’ offense.
The Sea Dogs managed just three hits Sunday as they dropped a 2-0 decision, finishing a six-game road trip with a 3-3 record.
For the second straight game, Portland couldn’t get a runner past second through the first six innings. The Sea Dogs lost 8-2 Saturday after overcoming a five-run deficit to win the series opener Friday, 12-10.
Trenton starter Brady Lail (3-2) had the Sea Dogs swinging early in the count and allowed only one hit before he left after five innings. Kyle Haynes pitched the last four innings.
Trailing 2-0, the Sea Dogs threatened in the seventh when Jantzen Witte led off with a single to right and Oscar Tejeda followed with a single to center. After both runners advanced on a groundout, Aneury Tavarez hit a high chopper back to Haynes, who threw to the plate to catch Witte in a rundown between home and third. Luis Martinez grounded out to end the inning.
Portland also put its first two runners on base in the ninth – Carlos Asauje walked and Witte reached on catcher’s interference – but a double play and a groundout ended the game.
“We had our opportunities,” said Sea Dogs Manager Billy McMillon. “Lail threw great for the first five innings and he got us to chase a lot of early pitches.”
Joe Gunkel (2-1), who won his first two starts with the Sea Dogs, kept Trenton off balance in the first two innings with an array of off-speed pitches. He struck out five of the first six batters.
Trenton took the lead with a two-out rally in the third. Cito Culver singled to center, Jake Cave drew a walk, and Ali Castillo followed with a single to right that drove home Culver.
Tavarez’s throw from right field to third was low and wide, allowing Cave to score a second run.
Lail, meanwhile, retired the first 11 batters before Witte drew a two-out walk in the fourth. Tejeda then dribbled a grounder into right field, but Keury De La Cruz grounded out to first.
Gunkel went five innings, allowing five hits and striking out seven in a 91-pitch effort. Jorge Maraban worked two innings and Simon Mercedes pitched the eighth.
“Gunkel had a good five innings,” said McMillon. “In the third inning, he threw about 30 pitches. “But he has been impressive for us so far.”
NOTES: Gunkel had allowed 15 hits total in his first two starts. …
Portland was looking to win its third straight road series. … Justin Haley (1-6, 5.70 ERA) will be on the mound Tuesday for the opener of a three-game home series against Richmond, opposing Joe Biagnini (3-3, 1.83). … Blake Tekotte entered the game hitting .600 (6 for 10) in his previous four games with two homers, four RBI and two doubles. …
The Sea Dogs will play their next 12 games against Richmond and Bowie. …
In his last 13 games, reliever Pat Light has a 1-1 record with a 0.63 ERA. He hasn’t allowed an earned run in 14 of 17 outings.
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