Defs fall 1-0 tonight to the SeaDogs.....

as Portland scratched across a run without a hit in the 7th. Adam Cowart came on to start the 7th, the deepest in a game so far this season for a Connecticut pitcher, and got a grounder to short go under Olmo Rosario's glove for an error. Ronnie Ray came in and walked the first batter he faced. A passed ball that looked to cross up catcher Dayton Buller moved the runners over to second and third. The pride of Hamden, Connecticut Portland's Jeff Natale was up next. Instead of walking Natale, who was all over the bases last night, to set up a double play or force at any base Ray pitched to Jeff. Natale hit a little nubber in front of the plated that Ray tried to shuffle over to Buller but didn't and the only run scored. Ray got the next batter to fly to right and Ben Copeland nailed the guy at the plate trying to score.
Connecticut could only manage a pair of hits. Simon Klink had a hard double and another hard out later in the game. Trey Webb playing second had his first hit of the season but was picked off. Webb saved a run in the fourth with a great catch of a two out flair to the outfield.
Cowart pitched well allowing Portland's only two hits, picked off one runner and had 4 Ks with two BBs. Jason Waddell was effective getting two K's in the ninth.
Connecticut manager Bien F. continues to juggle the lineup, benching Denker for Webb at second, DHing TI and starting Klink at first, dropping Copeland down to the eight hole, etc. I'm liking that we have a manager shaking it up. He hasn't had the same lineup twice.

Misc fan notes: From the Defs Front office:

"NORWICH, CT- Only a week into the season, the Defenders have added to their talented roster Wednesday. Infielder Kyle Haines comes to Connecticut from extended Spring Training to join the 4-1 Defenders.
Haines, 25, was the 31st selection of the 2004 First-Year Player Draft. In 2007, Haines played for the Advanced-A San Jose Giants where he hit .250 in 60 games with 3 HRs, 17 RBIs, and swiped 6 bases.
A graduate from North Clay High School in Salem, Illinois, Haines attended Olney Central College and Eastern Illinois University where he put up gaudy numbers at the plate, never batting under .327. Haines is revered for his discipline at the plate and contact approach."

Another infielder...is he a "true" shortstop or what?

Another small crowd as LC and I stayed to the bitter end. First loss for me on the season. The Curry jersey falls to 4 up and one down. The Defs hit the road for the next 7 games and I'll provide "road" updates off the box scorces.

Pics from top to bottom are Cowart and Klink