Witherspoon Powers Erie to Late Win over Portland

The SeaWolves improved to 5-0 in extra-innings play this season with their third walk-off win, defeating Portland 3-2 in 10 innings.

Portland grabbed an early run against Erie starter Austin Bergner. Ceddanne Rafaela drove home a run on a ground out. Bergner threw the first three in a spot start, allowing two hits, one run, and no walks while striking out four.

Rafaela struck again in the sixth, blasting a solo home run off Chance Kirby.

Sea Dogs starter Brian Van Belle was superb. He tossed six shutout innings, giving up three hits and no walks with three strikeouts.

In the eighth, Grant Witherspoon sparked the comeback with a two-out, two-run, opposite-field home run off Brendan Cellucci, tying the game. Witherspoon won the game in the 10th inning, plating Gage Workman on a sharp fielder’s choice ground out.

Billy Lescher (1-0) tossed a strong 9th and 10th to earn the win. Theo Denlinger (1-2) took the loss for Portland.

Erie and Portland turn around for an early 12:35 p.m. start time on Wednesday. Brant Hurter opposes Shane Drohan in a battle of lefties.