RICHMOND, Va. — Anthony Ranaudo of the Portland Sea Dogs, who continues to be mentioned in trade talks involving the parent Boston Red Sox, did very little to lower his prospect status Tuesday night.

Ranaudo gave up two solo homers but pitched well overall.

The trouble was he got no support as the Sea Dogs lost to the Richmond Flying Squirrels 4-0 to open a six-game trip.

Ranaudo went 62/3 innings, walking one and striking out seven, allowing four runs on four hits. He entered with the third-best ERA in the Eastern League, although it rose to 2.95.

“He pitched a nice game,” said Portland Manager Kevin Boles. “He limited the damage. I thought he executed his pitches. Had good leverage on his fastball. Utilized a quality mix. He made a couple mistakes up in the zone.”

The Sea Dogs faced San Francisco right-hander Ryan Vogelsong, who was making a rehab appearance after being on the disabled list with a broken hand since May.

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Vogelsong left after 64 pitches and issuing his only walk to Heiker Meneses leading off the sixth. He allowed five hits and struck out three in his third rehab start. He’s expected to be activated by the Giants in early August after one more rehab stint.

“There’s a reason why he’s in the big leagues,” said Boles. “Looks like he’s got some deception. Looked like we didn’t pick up the ball. Something with his fastball. We were just a little bit late on his fastball. Both of their guys pitched very well.”

Taylor Roger went the final four innings for Richmond, holding the Sea Dogs to one hit, walking one and striking out three.

The Squirrels touched Ranaudo for a run in the first on a leadoff double, sacrifice and RBI groundout by Javier Herrera.

Ranaudo then settled down, striking out the side in the second and retiring 12 straight before Angel Villalona homered down the left-field line leading off the fifth to make it 2-0.

Before the inning was over, Ranaudo gave up another solo shot, this one to Adam Duvall. It marked the third time this season Ranaudo had given up two homers in a game.

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“I felt pretty good about tonight,” said Ranaudo. “The best I’ve thrown in a long time. Those two pitches they hit out were pretty quality pitches. They were both off-speed pitches. They both stayed on it pretty well and did a good job of barreling them up.”

Meanwhile, the Sea Dogs didn’t have many chances against Vogelsong.

“It was pretty cool facing (Vogelsong),” said Shaw. “He’s pitched in the World Series. Everybody was ready to face him. He got me twice on the change-up and then I was sort of looking for it (on the base hit).”

Ranaudo (8-4) is aware the trade deadline is coming Wednesday.

“It’s something people talk about and you hear it,” he said. “It’s just part of the game, but until there’s a final decision or you get a final word about something, I’m just going out there and keep doing what I’m doing. It didn’t affect my performance at all tonight.”

 


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