CJ Liu No Hits RubberDucks as Sea Dogs Split Doubleheader

Akron, Ohio – The Portland Sea Dogs (18-6) split the doubleheader with the Akron RubberDucks (10-13) with an 8-0 win with a no-hitter in game one then fell 2-1 in game two.

In game one, CJ Liu pitched a complete game, seven-inning no-hitter, to record just the second in Sea Dogs' history. He tossed 7.0 shutout innings walking two and striking out six. The first seven-inning no-hitter in franchise history came one year ago today as Brayan Bello no-hit Reading in game two of a doubleheader at Hadlock Field.

Portland wasted no time at the plate in the top of the first inning bringing four runs across. Phillip Sikes walked to lead off the inning before going on to steal second base (9) to put Portland in scoring position. Nick Yorke worked a walk before an RBI single by Ceddanne Rafaela advanced Yorke to second while scoring Sikes and Portland was on the board first, 1-0. With a full count, Niko Kavadas unloaded a three-run shot to right field and Portland extended the lead to 4-0. The three-run home run for Kavadas was his first of the season and sixteenth for Portland collectively. Additionally, Kavadas extended his on-base streak to fifteen games.

The momentum continued in the top of the second inning when Corey Rosier singled to lead off the inning. Tyler McDonough would then reach on catcher’s interference to put two runners on. With Nick Yorke at the plate, Rosier and McDonough executed the double steal to put Portland in scoring position. A ground out to third base by Yorke allowed enough time for Rosier to score and the Sea Dogs extended the lead, to 5-0.

Niko Kavadas kept the power going at the plate with a lead-off double in the top of the third before a fly out to center field off the bat of Alex Binelas advanced Kavadas to third. A single from Stephen Scott would bring Kavadas around to score and Portland continued to lead, 6-0.

In the top of the seventh inning, Tyler McDonough was hit by a pitch before Yorke worked a walk to put two runners on. A double off the bat of Ceddanne Rafaela would drive in both runners and the Sea Dogs extended the lead, to 8-0

A dominant performance from CJ Liu kept the RubberDucks off the base paths and the Sea Dogs took game one, 8-0.

Niko Kavadas and Ceddanne Rafaela both recorded multi-hit games. Kavadas went two-for-four with a home run and a double to extend his on-base streak to fifteen games. Rafaela also went two-for-four with a double and a single.

Portland starter RHP CJ Liu (3-1, 3.65 ERA) earned the win after tossing the complete game 7.0 inning no-hitter. Akron starter RHP Jack Leftwich (1-2, 8.00 ERA) was issued the loss after pitching 0.2 innings allowing four runs on two hits while walking and striking out two.

In game two, Portland continued the scoring early on after Elih Marrero drew a walk in the top of the third inning to put Portland on base. Marrero stole second base with Phillip Sikes at the plate to record his second stolen base of the season and Portland was threatening. A fly out to center field by Sikes advanced Marrero to third before a single by Tyler McDonough brought Marrero in to score and Portland took the lead, 1-0.

Akron countered in the bottom of the fourth inning after Jose Tena singled to put Akron on base. Jonathan Rodriguez then reached on a hit-by-pitch before Joe Naranjo worked a walk to load the bases. Aaron Bracho was able to reach on a throwing error by Matthew Lugo which also allowed Tena and Rodriguez enough time to score and Akron took the lead, 2-1.

Corey Rosier recorded a multi-hit game after going 2-2 at the plate with a pair of singles.

Akron reliever RHP Davis Sharpe (1-1, 3.72 ERA) earned the win after tossing 1.0 inning of scoreless ball allowing one hit while striking out one. He did not issue a walk. RHP Cade Smith (7) was awarded the save after pitching 2.0 scoreless innings allowing two hits while striking out two. He did not issue a walk. Portland reliever RHP Rio Gomez (1-1, 3.27 ERA) was issued the loss after pitching 1.2 innings allowing two runs on two hits while striking out one. He issued two walks.

The Sea Dogs return to Canal Park tomorrow, May 6, 2023 for game five of a six-game series against the Akron RubberDucks. First pitch is slated for 6:05 pm. RHP Sterling Sharp (1-0, 2.95 ERA) will have the start for Portland while Akron will send RHP Hunter Stanley (0-2, 4.12 ERA) to the mound.