Mayer, Meidroth go back-to-back in 9-6 loss

Portland, Maine- Boston’s top prospect, Marcelo Mayer, blasted his first Double-A home run as the Portland Sea Dogs (33-20) fell 9-6 to the Akron RubberDucks (26-26). Despite the loss, Portland remains in first place of the Northeast Division, 2.5 games ahead of the second place Somerset Patriots.

Marcelo Mayer, went two-for-four after recording his first Double-A home run and a single. After going one-for-five with a double, Ceddanne Rafaela extended his hitting streak to 12 games while extending his on-base streak to sixteen games. His twelve-game streak is the longest hitting streak for Portland this season. Phillip Sikes went two-for-three with a pair of singles.

Akron began the scoring in the top of the second with a two-run home run by Johnathan Rodriguez.

In the bottom of the second, Alex Binelas doubled (9) to right field to score Phillip Sikes to put the Sea Dogs on the board, 2-1.

The RubberDucks scored three in the top of the third inning with a sacrifice fly by Jose Tena along with a two-run home run by Bryan Lavastida.

Boston’s top prospect, Marcelo Mayer, led off the bottom of the fourth inning with a solo home run to record the first of his Double-A career. Chase Meidroth then followed with a solo shot of his own (3). With back-to-back days with home runs from Meidroth, Portland was within two, 5-3.Ceddanne Rafaela reached second on an error by the catcher, allowing both Phillip Sikes and Elih Marrero to score and Portland tied it up, 5-5.

After a 1:01 rain delay in the fifth inning, Akron loaded the bases before Rodriguez scored on a hit by pitch.

A base-loaded walk in the top of the seventh would extend the 7-5 Akron lead.

Nick Yorke hit an RBI double (8) in the bottom of the seventh to score Rafaela to put Portland within one run.

An RBI double by Rodriguez would extend the Akron lead, 8-6 in the top of the eighth.

Angel Martinez recorded an RBI single in the top of the ninth and Akron took game two, 9-6.

Akron reliever LHP Randy Labaut (3-0, 1.86 ERA) earned the win after pitching 2.2 innings allowing one run on two hits while striking out three. He did not issue a walk. RHP Bradley Hanner 1.0 perfect inning. Portland reliever RHP Dylan Spacke (1-1, 3.86 ERA) was issued the loss after pitching 0.0 innings allowing one run on one hit while walking one.

The Sea Dogs return to Hadlock Field tomorrow, June 8, 2023, for game three of a six-game series against the Akron Rubber Ducks. First pitch for game three is slated for 11:00am. Both probable pitchers have yet to be announced.