Portland, Maine - The Portland Sea Dogs (17-13)(52-46) walked off the Harrisburg Senators (16-12)(50-47) 5-4 on Thursday night, capitalizing on a string of Harrisburg errors and a pair of hits to plate the winning runs.
Ahbram Liendo was the walk-off hero, coming through with a hard hit single into right field to score the winning run, his third walk-off hit this season. Liendo had another single and a home run, scoring twice while driving in two of the Sea Dogs’ five runs. Tyler McDonough helped him carry the offense, driving in two runs and scoring once with an RBI single and a home run.
In his Delta Dental Park debut, LHP Tyler Davis allowed just one hit while pitching two scoreless innings in the eighth and ninth, keeping the Sea Dogs within striking distance.
Harrisburg got on the board quickly. Sam Peterson walked to lead off the game, and Courtland Lawson launched a two-run home run to put Harrisburg in front 2-0.
In the third, Liendo singled to get on base, and McDonough drove him in, cutting the lead to 2-1.
A Brandon Boissiere sacrifice fly extended the lead to 3-1, before Liendo’s home run cut the deficit back to one.
McDonough’s home run tied the game in the bottom of the fifth, but Harrisburg answered with a Peterson RBI single in the sixth, retaking the lead, 4-3.
Trailing by one in the bottom of the ninth, facing a pitcher who hadn’t given up a run since June 21st, Will Turner drew a leadoff walk, his second of the night. Brooks Brannon pinch hit for Nelly Taylor, and sent a liner over the infield for a single, putting runners on first and second with no outs.
Before Liendo even saw a pitch, RHP Sandy Gaston tried to pick off Will Turner at second, but his shortstop was not covering the bag, and the ball sailed into center field. Petersen slipped and fell, accidentally tossing the ball out of his glove as he tried to collect it, and Turner came home to score. Max Ferguson, pinch running for Brannon, advanced to third.
Moments later, Liendo slapped his third hit of the night into right field, and the Sea Dogs won 5-4.
LHP Tyler Davis (1-0, 5.00 ERA) earned the win, dealing two scoreless innings while allowing just one hit and striking out one batter. RHP Sandy Gaston (2-4, 5.63 ERA) was dealt the loss, allowing two runs on two hits and a walk, including the errors from himself and Petersen.
On Friday, the Sea Dogs will host Faith and Family night at the ballpark, with local churches and faith groups in attendance. Acting Manager Kyle Sasala and first baseman Brooks Brannon will give testimonies before the game. RHP Anthony Eyanson (4-0, 1.45 ERA) is set to face RHP Josh Randall (3-4, 4.09 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 pm at Delta Dental Park.