Saturday, February 11, 2012
Kyle Weiland gave up a hit in the first inning and then shut down the Harrisburg Senators. Weiland allowed only one hit and no walks, while striking out eight over seven innings. It was his longest outing for the Portland Sea Dogs this year.
Weiland had his sinking fastball working. Only four balls were hit to the outfield (three of them caught). He induced nine ground outs.
Weiland lowered his ERA to 3.82. He has recorded a total of 15 strikeouts in his last two starts, and has 91 K's over 94 innings.
But Weiland got a no-decision. Closer Jason Rice gave up two runs in the eighth inning.
Portland got its one run in the fourth inning. Nate Spears doubled and Anthony Rizzo singled him in.
Ryan Lavarnway went 1-for-4, stretching his hitting streak to nine games.
Kevin covers baseball for the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram. He first reported on spring training games for the St. Petersburg Times in 1978. He wisely moved to Maine in 1994 and now writes about the Portland Sea Dogs and Boston Red Sox — when he's not coaching Little League baseball. He is married to Nancy, and the couple has completed their lineup card with the birth of their ninth child, who is now 4 1/2 years old.