MANCHESTER, N.H. — If the Portland Sea Dogs pitch, catch and hit like they did Sunday, fans at Hadlock Field on Monday can look forward to more than just free Henry Owens bobblehead dolls.
Mike McCarthy carried a perfect game into the sixth inning, right fielder Henry Ramos made a leaping catch against the right-field wall, and Portland pounded 11 hits in a 2-0 victory over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats on a sweltering Sunday afternoon at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium.
The Sea Dogs (33-62) stopped their losing streak at seven games. New Hampshire is 49-42.
McCarthy (5-4) is the Brock Holt of the Portland pitching staff – starter today, long reliever tomorrow – filling in wherever needed. He made his 10th start in 21 appearances and dominated.
“He was great,” catcher Tim Roberson said. “Moved the ball in and out. Hit spots.”
Locating his fastball, cutter and splitter, McCarthy retired the first 16 batters before yielding a walk and then a single up the middle by Jorge Flores. Manager Billy McMillon replaced McCarthy with Williams Jerez, who got out of the jam with a double-play grounder.
McCarthy finished with two strikeouts and lowered his ERA to 3.68. McCarthy had errorless defense behind him, including Ramos’ catch on K.C. Hobson’s blast to the right-field wall.
“Ramos makes that catch and (center fielder Manuel) Margot (was) running balls down. The team really helped me out,” McCarthy said.
Portland got a run in the fourth inning on singles by Reed Gragnani, Sam Travis and Keury De La Cruz. In the seventh, David Chester doubled home Ramos.
Ramos and Chester have been among those struggling for the Sea Dogs, but both had three hits Sunday.
“When everyone starts hitting, that just gets you in a groove,” Chester said. “As a team, we swung it pretty well. Then McCarthy going out and doing what he did (helped).”
Because McCarthy has been in and out of a starting role, he was held to 77 pitches (51 strikes).
“Just came with the same philosophy as long relief – pound the zone,” McCarthy said. “Really tried to be as efficient as possible – it’s hot out – and get the guys back in the dugout.”
Sunday’s game was close despite Portland outhitting the Fisher Cats 11-3. But the bullpen backed up McCarthy. After Jerez allowed two hits in two innings, Jorge Marban got the last four outs for his fourth save.
NOTES: Red Sox catcher Blake Swihart got the day off Sunday as he continues to rehab with the Sea Dogs after going on the disabled list because of a strained foot. Swihart, who also took Friday off, caught nine innings Saturday. Swihart earlier said he would be with the Sea Dogs for the first three games of the upcoming homestand. … The announced paid attendance was 6,486. … Travis (2 for 4) has hit safely in 15 of his last 17 games, batting .364. … The first 1,000 fans through the gates Monday will receive a Henry Owens bobblehead doll. Monday’s game will also feature the New England Patriots cheerleaders. Besides performing dance routines, they will be available for autographs and photos from 7:45 to 9 p.m. … Monday’s game features two Eastern League All-Star pitchers: Portland’s William Cuevas (8-5, 3.40) against Trenton’s Eric Ruth (6-2, 1.89). … This upcoming three-game series is the last visit of the year for the Thunder, a Yankees affiliate.
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