AKRON, Ohio — The Portland Sea Dogs won their fifth straight Tuesday night, beating the Akron Aeros 3-1 at Canal Park.

The Sea Dogs, who began a six-game trip, outhit the Aeros 8-4 and did their scoring early with two runs in the first inning and a solo home run from Marquez Smith in the third.

Portland center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. turned on the first pitch of the game and slapped an infield single off the shin of Akron pitcher Giovanni Soto. Bradley advanced to second on a wild pitch and reached third on a single to left by Jeremy Hazelbaker. Smith drove home Bradley on a chopper through the right side of the infield to give the Sea Dogs a 1-0 lead.

Soto loaded the bases in the first, and Peter Hissey drew a walk to give Portland a 2-0 lead.

“I was trying to set a tempo,” Bradley said. “Just get on base and let other guys drive me in. I’m saying it like it’s pretty simple, but it’s not as simple as it sounds.”

Manager Kevin Boles agreed it was important to score first to set the tone of the game.

“Absolutely,” Boles said. “(Bradley) is a guy who works the count. Even if he makes an out, a lot of times it’s a tough out and a lot of times it’s a productive out. The top of our lineup did a nice job.”

Juan Diaz scored for Akron in the second after a leadoff double.

Pitcher Jason Urquidez (2-2) earned the win for Portland. Right-hander Michael Olmsted pitched the ninth for the save.

The Sea Dogs have struggled on the road this season with a 21-37 record.

“I thought our pitchers did an outstanding job tonight,” Boles said. “We played quality defense. We were able to get some timely hitting against (Akron’s) pitching staff, which is very tough. To play this well tonight in a tight game was a good sign.”

Smith, batting in the cleanup spot in place of Bryce Brentz, led the way for Portland, going 2 for 4 with two RBI.

Ronald Bermudez took Brentz’s place in left field and also had two hits.

Boles did not say why Brentz was scratched from the lineup, saying only that his absence was not due to an injury.

Bradley was 1 for 4 and has hit safely in 38 of 46 starts this season.

He came into the game leading all Red Sox minor leaguers with a .326 batting average.

“It’s good to get a victory no matter where you are,” Bradley said. “I don’t think Akron’s lost too many games at home, so it’s good to come out here and get the win.”

Boles said his team is coming together and learning how to win tough games.

“I think our guys have just caught up to the speed of the level (of the competition),” Boles said. “Our guys have made some adjustments, and we’ve got guys in different roles than we had at the start of the season.

“Our clubhouse has always been intact. No matter win or lose, our guys always come back the next day. It’s been a fun group to work with.”

 

Copy the Story Link