While the Red Sox were bashing home runs, even with David Ortiz out of the lineup (for what could be a long time, depending on what today's MRI reveals), the Portland Sea Dogs were producing 20 hits in Merchantsauto.com Stadium in Manchester, N.H.

The Sea Dogs got two home runs from Andrew Pinckney and one from Ryan Khoury.

It is no secret that the Sea Dogs like hitting in Manchester. The fans are friendly, often cheering as loud for the Sea Dogs as their own team. And it is a hitter's park, especially for left-handed pull hitters (re: Pinckney) because of the short distance to right field (306 feet down the line).

Pinckney gushes over the place.

"If we could just swap teams. If we could play down here and they play up there (in Portland)," Pinckney said after Sunday's game. "I love it here. It's just a great park. This park is obviously for lefties. It's a great atmosphere, a great place."

Those opening comments may cause a few jaws to drop in Portland. Swapping teams is just what Manchester would like. Fisher Cats owner Art Solomon once told a New Hampshire audience that he was working on getting the Red Sox affiliate.

The Red Sox have since extended their affiliation agreement with Portland ... but because of Manchester's location and Solomon's comments, the New Hampshire franchise will always be seen as a threat,

Pinckney probably did not know all of that background. But when asked about Portland, he did qualify his comments a little.

"Not to take anything away from Portland. I love Portland. Portland is an awesome place, too," he said, adding with a smile, "But if they could move that right field wall to Portland ..."

While we're talking about the Sea Dogs, check out the story on Zach Daeges, who is being called a "left-handed Kevin Youkilis."

One more minor league note: It was another Sea Dogs reunion on the mound for Pawtucket Sunday. All four pitchers are familiar to Hadlock Field fans.

Charlie Zink got the start, but only went 3 innings (3 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 2 K) because of rain delays ... Jose Vaquedano relieved (3 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 2 K), followed by Hunter Jones (2 1/3, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K) and Chris Smith (2/3, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K) ... Smith picked up his sixth save.

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