The Portland Sea Dogs (20-20) defeated the Somerset Patriots (26-13) by a score of 2-1 at Hadlock Field in Tuesday morning’s series opener.
Brandon Lockridge led off the fourth inning with his ninth double of the season, tied for the team lead, before he was brought home on a Michael Beltre fielder’s choice to give the Patriots a 1-0 lead.
The Sea Dogs matched the Patriots stride in the bottom of the frame, as a Tyler Dearden fielder’s choice scored David Hamilton to tie the ballgame at one.
All 8️⃣ Mitch Spence strikeouts from today 💪 pic.twitter.com/A2AFocqex3
— Somerset Patriots (@SOMPatriots) May 24, 2022
Brandon Howlett gave Portland the lead in the bottom of the fifth, bringing Christian Koss home on a base hit and providing the go-ahead run in a 2-1 Sea Dogs victory.
Jay Groome (2-1) earned the win for Portland, striking out nine and allowing one run in six innings of work, while Chase Shugart recorded his third save of the year in a hitless ninth inning.
Mitch Spence (1-2) struck out eight in 5.2 innings for Somerset, allowing two runs on three hits for the loss.
The 2022 Somerset Patriots Season presented by Ford will continue on the road on Wednesday with a 6:00 pm game versus the Sea Dogs at Hadlock Field. Fans can catch all the action on FOX Sports New Jersey 93.5 FM | 1450 AM, the Flagship Station for Patriots Baseball.