Erie Offense Sputters in Second Straight Loss

Erie’s offense sputtered again as they dropped a second straight to Portland, 4-1.

Ty Madden started for Erie and got off to an excellent start by retiring the first five Sea Dogs with three strikeouts. Portland finally broke through against the Erie right-hander in the fourth inning. To begin the inning, Daniel Cabrera dropped Alex Binelas’ fly ball. Stephen Scott walked and Corey Rosier drove Binelas home on a double inside the right-field foul line. Edwin Diaz followed with a sacrifice fly, and Tyler McDonough singled home Rosier.

Jake Higginbotham threw two scoreless innings in relief of Madden, who threw the first four. Higginbotham allowed just one hit with two strikeouts. Madden (0-1) took his first loss of the season.

Angel De Jesus allowed a tack-on run in the seventh inning when Binelas singled home Ceddanne Rafaela with two out. Rafaela reached three times on two hits and a walk.

Erie’s offense struggled against Portland starter CJ Liu. Liu (2-1) tossed five scoreless innings, striking out eight and allowing one walk and three hits en route to earning the win.

The SeaWolves mounted a late rally in the ninth. Jake Holton notched his second single. Josh Crouch doubled him home with two out. Gage Workman followed with a single, but Crouch was thrown out at the plate on a strong throw by Rafaela to end the game.

The series continues at 6:05 p.m. on Friday as Sawyer Gipson-Long opposes Wyatt Olds.