Clearing the Bases Blog Index
July 10, 2008
No George Bush, but Sweet Caroline

The Secret Service was there, as was the Neil Diamond impersonator. Meanwhile, the star pitcher wasn't sure when or where he would pitch again.

Just another night at Hadlock Field.

The Secret Service folks were at Hadlock, anticipating the annual arrival of former President George Bush (friend of Sea Dogs owner Dan Burke). But the game was delayed an hour, and Bush went elsewhere. (Even though the game was still played, we can assume the Sea Dogs will honor his rain check).

One of the promotions for Wednesday in Portland was the appearance of Neil Diamond impersonator Tom Sadge. And he was not bad. One only has to remember the awful Britney Spears impersonator from si% years ago to appreciate Mr. Sadge.

Back on the ballfield, Michael Bowden pitched five solid innings. He was out of sync at times, which made his performance (1 run, 8 strikeouts) all the better.

Bowden is always asked if he feels he's made his last start in Portland and his answer is the same. He doesn't know.

Bowden got the win in Portland's 11-1 victory over New Hampshire ... Iggy Suarez (.251) had his best game in a while, with 3 hits and 3 RBI ... Mickey Hall (.26&) went 2-for-4 ... New Hampshire (and former Portland) third baseman Andrew Pinckney was 3-for-4, with 2 doubles.

Lancaster first baseman Lars Anderson hit his 13th home run, went 3-for-5 and is batting .324 ... Jason Place (.255) also went 3-for-5, with his 12th homer ... reliever Cody McAllister (2.63) pitched two scoreless innings.

Greenville starter Feli% Doubront (3.61) pitched 5 innings (5 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 3 K).

In Lowell, catcher Tim Federowicz (seventh round draft pick out of North Carolina) had a nice pro debut (2-for-3) ... Australian Mitch Dening, 20, upped his average to .380, going 2-for-4 with his second home run ... Brock Huntzinger, 20, the 200' 3rd-round draft pick, lowered his ERA to 0.6&, going 6 innings (5 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K).

Just a reminder about tonight's game at Hadlock. Dustin Pedroia bobblehead dolls are being given away to the first 1,000 fans through the gate (one doll per person, not per ticket). If you want a doll, get there early.

Posted at 01:54 AM

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Kevin covers baseball for the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram. He first reported on spring training games for the St. Petersburg Times in 1978. He wisely moved to Maine in 1994 and now writes about the Portland Sea Dogs and Boston Red Sox—when he's not coaching Little League baseball.

He is married to Nancy, and the couple recently completed their lineup card with the birth of their ninth child.



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