The Sea Dogs shoot for their sevenn straight win tonight in Connecticut...Portland is tied for third in the Eastern League's Northern Division.

Jed Lowrie has reached base safely in 28 straight starts

All-time on-base streak leaders in franchise history:
62 - Kevin Youkilis - May 12-July 28, 2003 (extended streak to 71 games with Pawtucket)
46 - Kevin Millar - July 12-August 30, 1997 (extended streak to 71 games with AAA-Calgary in 1998 and 1999)
31 - Mark Kotsay - June 21-August 16, 1997 (Minor League games only – was called up to Florida Marlins on July 11 and stayed through July 27)
29 - Mark Kotsay - April 21-May 25, 1997
28 - Jed Lowrie – April 29-current

The Portland Sea Dogs look to make it four wins in a row as they take on the Reading Phillies today at 1:00 PM at Hadlock Field.

Sunday's Sea Dogs Lineup
Corsaletti, LF
Lowrie, SS
Natale, DH
Keylor, RF
Johnson, CF
Pinckney, 3B
Suarez, 2B
Paniagua, C
Borowiak, 1B

Haigwood, LHP

Notes:
Today's pitching match-up features former Sea Dog Tim McClaskey throwing against former Reading Phillie Daniel Haigwood.

Jed Lowrie has now reached base safely in 25 conesuctive games.

The Sea Dogs continue their holiday weekend series with the Reading Phillies at 1:00 PM today at Hadlock Field. Today's game is Sold Out, tickets are available for Sunday and Monday but are going quickly. The Sea Dogs started the weekend with a 9-5 win over Reading on Friday night.

Saturday's Lineup
Corsaletti, LF
Lowrie, SS
Natale, DH
Keylor, RF
Johnson, CF
Crozier, 1B
Otness, C
Pinckney, 3B
Suarez, 2B

Zink, RHP

Roster Move:
Jeff Natale activated from the disabled list. Bryan Pritz placed on the temporary inactive list. Pritz is away from the team this weekend attending a wedding.

Notes:
Lowrie has reached base safely in 24 straight games, the longest streak for a Sea Dog since Kevin Youkilis reached in his final 62 games with Portland after being called up to Pawtucket on July 28, 2003 he reached base in his first 9 games with the PawSox to tie Kevin Millar's Minor League Record of 71 straight games, which also started in Portland in 1997

The Sea Dogs will host a four game series with the Reading Phillies over the Memorial Day weekend. Game One is slated for Friday night at 7:00 PM at Hadlock Field.

Friday's Lineup
Corsaletti, LF
Lowrie, SS
Keylor, RF
Johnson, CF
Crozier, DH
Pinckney, 3B
Otness, C
Suarez, 2B
Borowiak, 1B
Hottoy, P

Notes:
Jed Lowrie has reached base safely in 23 straight games, the longest streak for a Sea Dog since Kevin Youkilis reached in his final 62 games with Portland after being called up to Pawtucket on July 28, 2003 he reached base in his first 9 games with the PawSox to tie Kevin Millar's Minor League Record of 71 straight games, which also started in Portland in 1997.

Lincoln Holdzkom allowed a leadoff home run to Aaron Baldiris in the sixth inning on Thursday…The homer was the first allowed in the career by Holdzkom…The righty had gone 213 and 1/3 innings and 144 appearances as a professional without allowing a long ball.

Pitcher Clay Buchholz leads all Red Sox Minor League pitchers with 60 strikeouts in just 45.2 IP… Buchholz has fanned at least seven batters in his last seven starts (struck out only two in his Double-A debut)…The record for strikeouts in a 7-start stretch is 67 by Josh Beckett…Buchholz’s 12.0 strikeout/9 IP ratio is the 4th best in Minor League Baseball.

A LITTLE REUNION OF SORTS:
The Reading Phillies roster features three former Sea Dogs: Pitchers Ryan Cameron (2003-04) and Tim McClaskey (2001), who get the start against Portland on Sunday…Infielder Matt Padgett played in Portland during the 2002 season...R-Phils infielder Michael Garciaparra is the younger brother of former Red Sox shortstop Nomar Garciaparra.

I just arrived to the ballpark and there's already 100 members of the New York press in attendance. Roger Clemens arrived at 12:00 PM and is currently sitting in the Trenton clubhouse. It was announced last night that he was arriving in the Madden Crusier - that was not true. He arrived in a oversized van that looks nothing like traveling vehicle of John Madden.

Trenton is taking batting practice and you can feel the buzz in the ballpark. Arnie Beyeler will appear live on WGME-TV 13 at 5:35 PM with Dave Eid...Also, Jeff Corsaletti and many Sea Dogs will have their view on facing the former Red Sox ace.

Quick Nuggets about Roger

Portland's hitting coach Russ Morman is the only guy in the ballpark that has faced Roger Clemens. Morman went 1-for-6 in his career against Roger, picking up a single to right field on August 4, 1986, a game the Red Sox lost 1-0 to the White Sox. Clemens pitched the distance, allowing an unearned run due to errors by himself and Wade Boggs. The loss was the fourth of the season for Clemens - the last he suffered that season.

Thoughts from Reading, PA - I talked with Portland manager Arnie Beyeler earlier this morning, he's excited about his team facing Roger Clemens on Wednesday.

Clemens told MLB.com that he will start for Trenton on Wednesday night against the Sea Dogs...Clay Buchholz, who was born 97 miles from where Clemens resides, makes the start for Portland.

Sea Dogs have a chance to win the series this afternoon in Reading...Portland has won only twice since sweeping the Trenton Thunder last week at Hadlock Field.

Great night for 20-year old Michael Bowden. The #2 Pitching prospect in the Red Sox Organization worked five innings for the Sea Dogs, allowing only two hits, two walks, one run and fanned five.

He threw 82 pitches - 50 for strikes and left the game with a 2-1 lead.

Tonight was the Double-A debut for Michael Bowden, who was 2-0, 1.37 with the Lancaster JetHawks. He's allowed one run in his last 26.2 IP.

Temps here in Altoona, PA are in the high 70's, it even touched 81 during batting practice.

Quick Hits

Michael Bowden has been called up from High-A Lancaster with Matt Goodson sent to Lancaster - Goodson worked six strong innings last night, allowing only one run.

Bryce Cox was placed on the disabled list (right hamstring strain) - Jose Vaquedano activated from the DL

It was nice catching up with Curve Pitching Coach Ray Searage - he was the pitching coach for the Prince William Cannons in 1997, my first season as a broadcaster. That's the great thing about basball, you form friendships forever

The Sea Dogs take on the Binghamton Mets Sunday at 1:00 PM at Hadlock Field.

Sunday's Sea Dogs Lineup:
Corsaletti, DH
Youngbauer, 2B
Johnson, CF
Keylor, RF
Brown, C
Pinckney, 3B
Pritz, LF
Borowiak, 1B
Suarez, SS

Dobies, LHP

Earlier today a record field of 1,800 runners participated in the 7th annual Sea Dogs Mother's Day 5K.

In honor of Mother's Day the Sea Dogs will wear pink uniforms today. The players will sign the uniforms and they'll be put up for auction on EBay with the proceeds going to the Maine Cancer Foundation.

Happy Mother's Day!

The Portland Sea Dogs continue their series with Binghamton Mets Saturday afternoon at 1:00 PM at Hadlock Field.

Saturday's Lineup
Corsaletti, LF
Lowrie, SS
Johnson, DH
Keylor, RF
Crozier, 1B
Otness, C
Pinckney, 3B
Pritz, CF
Borowiak, 2B

Haigwood, P

Notes:
On Friday night Clay Buchholz became the second Portland pitcher this season to fan 10+ batters in one start (Matt Goodson, 10 on May 3)…Buchholz fanned eight straight from the end of the first inning through the fourth – five of his 11 strikeouts were called third strikes – all on his curveball…Jon Lester and Kason Gabbard both fanned six straight batters back in 2005…Lester did it twice during 2005 (July 19 and July 11)…Gabbard accomplished the feat on June 22, 2005)…Lester and A.J. Burnett both hold the franchise record for most strikeouts in a single game at 13.

Third Baseman Andrew Pinckney blasted his first Double-A home run on Friday night and his first long ball since he hit two home runs on the final day of the
regular season against the Frederick Keys (September 3, 2006)…Pinckney has five of his six RBI with two outs and currently owns a four-game hitting streak (season-high).

The Portland Sea Dogs continue their series with the Binghamton Mets Friday night at 6:00 PM at Hadlock Field. The Sea Dogs will have a post-game fireworks show tonight. Top pitching prospect Clay Buchholz takes the mound tonight for the Sea Dogs.

Friday's Lineup:
Corsaletti, LF
Lowrie, SS
Johnson, CF
Keylor, RF
Youngbauer, DH
Crozier, 1B
Otness, C
Pinckney, 3B
Suarez, 2B

Buchholz, RHP

Notes:
For the first time in a week there are no roster moves to report.

Since being move to the number two spot in the lineup last Sunday in Binghamton, Jed Lowrie is hitting .421, raising his batting average 28 points…His .209 average is the highest since he was hitting .212 on April 22 at New Hampshire.

The Portland Sea Dogs begin a four game series with the Binghamton Mets at 6:00 PM on Thursday night. The first 1,000 fans to enter the ballpark tonight will receive a Todd Claus Bobblehead Doll.

Thursday's Sea Dogs Lineup:

Corsaletti, LF
Lowrie, SS
Johnson, CF
Crozier, DH
Brown, C
Youngbauer, 3B
Otness, 1B
Prtiz, RF
Suarez, 2B

Hottovy, LHP

The Sea Dogs completed a four-game sweep of the Trenton Thunder in three days, defeating the Yankee affiliate, 4-3 on Wednesday afternoon at Hadlock Field. Portland’s last four-game sweep at home came on April 7-10, 2005 against the Norwich Navigators in the opening series of the season.

Bryce Cox (1-1) earned the win for Portland, despite picking up a blown save for allowing the go-ahead run in the seventh inning. Chris Smith closed out the game with two perfect innings for his first professional save – Jeff Kennard (0-2) took the loss for Trenton, surrendering four hits and two runs over two innings pitched.

Portland (15-11) won their fifth straight game and their ninth in the last 11 at Hadlock Field. Trenton (21-8) suffers their first 4-game losing streak of the season and falls to 8-5 on the road.

Jed Lowrie had the game-winning hit for the Sea Dogs, doubling in two runs with two outs in the eighth inning. Trailing 3-2, Portland put two runners on base with singles from Andrew Pinckney and Zach Borowiak. Scott Youngbauer grounded into a fielder’s choice but the play at first base was very close, causing an argument from Trenton Manager Tony Franklin – Lowrie followed with the double.

Matt Goodson worked five strong innings for the Sea Dogs, fanning six on two hits, two runs and two walks.

Scott Patterson made his third start of the season for Trenton, scattering four hits, two runs in four and 2/3 innings pitched.

Jay Johnson had two hits for Portland, knocking in the game’s first run with a RBI single in the first inning. The Sea Dogs took a 2-0 lead in the third inning on Cory Keylor’s two-out RBI single.

Trenton tied the game in the sixth inning. Goodson was replaced by Cox in the sixth inning after walking two but Cox allowed two runs on a hit batter and a sacrifice fly. The Thunder took their second lead of the series in the seventh inning on Juan Francia’s two-out RBI single.

Notes…Scott Youngbauer was assigned to Portland early this morning when Pitcher John Barnes was sent back to Extended Spring Training…The Sea Dogs have won 9 of 11 at Hadlock Field.

Allied Home Mortgage Big Dog of the Game – Jed Lowrie & Chris Smith

It's a beautiful day to play two! The Portland Sea Dogs will take on the Trenton Thunder (Yankees) in a doubleheader tonight at Hadlock Field begining at 6:00 PM. The two teams will play two-seven inning games, tickets are good for both games.

Game 1 Line-Ups:
Corsaletti, LF
Lowrie, SS
Johnson, CF
Keylor, DH
Crozier, 1B
Pritz, RF
Pinckney, 3B
Otness, C
Suarez, 2B
Dobies, LHP

More Roster Moves:
Portland Sea Dogs Transactions for May 8th:

RHP John Barnes received from Extended Spring Training.
RHP Jose Vaquedano placed on the disabled list.

Barnes will wear uniform # 39 and start game two tonight against the Trenton Thunder (Yankees).

The 31-year old Barnes was originally drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the fourth round of the June 1996 draft. Barnes reached as high as Double-A Trenton in 1998 before being traded by the Red Sox along with Bangor, Maine native Matt Kinney and LHP Joe Thomas to the Minnesota Twins on July 31, 1998 in exchange for LHP Greg Swindell and infielder Orlando Merced.

Barnes is a former catcher who converted to a knuckleball pitcher in 2006. He appeared in 20 games with the Minnesota Twins in 2001 and 2002 as a catcher hitting .241. In 2006 he posted a 3-8 combined record with stops at the Gulf Coast League Red Sox, Single-A Greenville, Single-A Wilmington, and Triple-A Pawtucket.

Notes:
Cory Keylor extended his hitting streak to nine straight Monday night.

The Portland Sea Dogs begin an eight game/ seven day homestand tonight against the Trneton Thunder (Yankees) at 6:00 PM.

Monday's Line-Up:
Corsaletti, LF
Lowrie, SS
Johnson, DH
Keylor, RF
Crozier, 1B
Otness, C
Pinckney, 3B
Pritz, CF
Borowiak, 2B
Haigwood, LHP

Notes:
The Portland Sea Dogs have received left-handed pitcher Daniel Haigwood from extended spring training. The 23-year old Haigwood was acquired by the Boston Red Sox on April 19th in the trade that sent Sea Dogs’ pitcher Scott Shoemaker to the Texas Rangers’ organization. Haigwood is a member of Boston’s 40-man roster. Haigwood has gone 35-18 with a 3.43 ERA (182 ER/478.0 IP) in 88 career minor league starts. He split the 2006 season between Double-A Reading of the Philadelphia Phillies organization and Double-A Frisco of the Rangers’ system, going a combined 3-7 with a 3.58 ERA (58 ER/146.0 IP) in 27 starts. The 6-foot-2, 200-pounder has yet to pitch in a game in 2007. He was originally selected by the Chicago White Sox in the 16th round of the 2002 First-Year Player Draft.

On Sunday Clay Buchholz fell an inning and 2/3 shy of establishing a franchise record for consecutive scoreless innings…The righty’s streak was snapped at 21 innings when Reyes homered in the fourth inning…Phil Seibel still holds the All-time mark at 22 and 1/3 innings from May 20- June 11, 2006.

Outfielder Cory Keylor extended his hitting streak to a season-high eight games with a single in the second inning on Sunday afternoon….Keylor has raised his average 48 points during the streak and is tied for 9th in the Eastern League in
hitting with Akron’s Asdrubal Cabrera.

Jed Lowrie ended an 0-for-11 slump by going 3-for-5, RBI on Sunday…Lowrie picked up his first 3-hit game in Double-A – his last came on August 30, 2006 at Salem, while playing with the Wilmington Blue Rocks.

The Eastern League has selected Jacoby Ellsbury as the Eastern League Player of the Month for April. Eastern League President Joe McEacharn made the announcement. Ellsbury is the first Sea Dogs player to earn an Eastern League Player of the Month award since Josh Beckett in August of 2001. Earlier today Ellsbury was promoted to Triple-A Pawtucket.

Ellsbury completed the month of April hitting a Minor League Baseball best .455 (30-for-66) with 10 doubles, two triples, 13 runs scored, 12 RBI, four walks and six stolen bases in 15 games. Ellsbury reached base in every game he played in for the Sea Dogs during the month. On Thursday, May 3rd Ellsbury was selected as Boston’s Minor League Offensive Player of the Month for April as well as the Minor League Base-Runner of the Month.

In 17 games with the Sea Dogs in 2007, Ellsbury hit a Minor League Baseball leading .452. At the time of his call-up he led the Eastern League in hits (33), doubles (10), on base percentage (.518) and slugging percentage (.644). Ellsbury has hit safely in 15 consecutive games, the longest hitting streak for a Sea Dog since Brett Roneberg hit safely in 18 straight games in 2004. Ellsbury has reached base safely in 25 consecutive games dating back to August 27th, 2006 and 61 of the 67 games that he has played with the Sea Dogs.

The 23 year-old is ranked the #2 prospect in the Red Sox organization by Baseball America. Baseball America also rates Ellsbury as the “Best Hitter for Average”, “Fastest Base-Runner”, “Best Defensive Outfielder” and “Best Athlete” in the Red Sox organization. Ellsbury, a native of Madras, Oregon, was drafted by the Red Sox in the first round (23rd overall) in the June 2005 draft.

The first 1,000 fans to enter the ballpark on June 28th will receive a Jacoby Ellsbury bobblehead doll courtesy of Irving Oil.

Sea Dogs Eastern League Player of the Month Award Winners:
John Roskos June 1997
Cesar Crespo April 2000
Josh Beckett August 2001
Jacoby Ellsbury April 2007

The Sea Dogs begin a three game weekend series with the Binghamton Mets on Friday night in Binghamton, New York. Portland will return home on Monday for an eight game, seven day homestand with the Trenton Thunder (Yankees) and Binghamton Mets. Tickets to all Sea Dogs home games are available and can be purchased by calling the Sea Dogs Ticket Office at 207-879-9500 or online at www.seadogs.com.

The Boston Red Sox today announced their Minor League Player of the Month award winners for the month of April.
Offensive Player(s): Jacoby Ellsbury (Portland)
Bubba Bell (Lancaster)
Pitcher: Michael Bowden (Lancaster)
Defensive Player: Iggy Suarez (Lancaster/ Portland)
Base-Runner: Jacoby Ellsbury (Portland)

Although the Sea Dogs fell to the Bowie Baysox on Thursday evening 7-3, Jacoby Ellsbury extended his hitting streak to 15 games. It is the longest hitting streak for a Sea Dog since Brett Roneberg hit in 18 straight games in 2004.

Former Sea Dog Devern Hansack was called-up to the Red Sox before Thursday's game as Mike Timlin was placed on the disabled list.

The Sea Dogs conclude their series with the Bowie Baysox (Orioles) tonight at 6:00 PM at Hadlock Field. Portland will travel to Binghamton, New York to take on the Mets in a three game weekend series before returning to Hadlock on Monday to take on the Trenton Thunder (Yankees).

Tonight's Line-Up:
Ellsbury, CF
Corsaletti, LF
Natale, 1B
Keylor, RF
Lowrie, SS
Crozier, DH
Otness, C
Pinckney, 3B
Suarez, 2B
Goodson, RHP

News & Notes:
Infielder David Bacani was released after last night's game. Bacani appeared in four games with the Sea Dogs in 2007, hitting .308 with a home run. Last season with the Sea Dogs, Bacani appeared in a career high 121 games where he hit .229 with five home runs and 45 RBI’s. He was hit by a franchise record 20 pitches to lead the Red Sox minor league organization. He was an Eastern League All-Star with the Binghamton Mets in 2004 and 2005.

Jacoby Ellsbury extended his hitting streak to 14 games last night. He has now reached base safely in 24 consecutive games dating back to last August. His .449 batting average is the best in Minor League Baseball.

After a two day absence Jacoby Ellsbury is back in the Sea Dogs line-up for tonights 6:00 PM game with the Bowie Baysox.

Ellsbury, CF
Corsaletti, LF
Natale, DH
Keylor, RF
Lowrie, SS
Brown, C
Otness, 1B
Borowiak, 3B
Suarez, 2B
Dobies, LHP

News & Notes:
The Sea Dogs held a press conference this morning to officially kick off the fundraising efforts for the 2007 Strike Out Cancer in Kids program. Local media members and the Sea Dogs pitching staff took part in a hitting competition to raise money for the Maine Children's Cancer Program. Lee Goldberg from WCSH6 was the overall winner. Bryce Cox was the only participant to knock one out of the park. The competition raised over $2,000 for the Maine Children's Cancer Program.

At 2:00 PM this afternoon, the annual team photo will be taken.

Jacoby Ellsbury has reached base in 23 straight games dating back to August 27, 2006…He improved his hitting streak to 13-games with an RBI double on Saturday, the longest streak for a Sea Dog since Chris Durbin hit in 13 straight games from July 25-August 11, 2005. Ellsbury’s .455 average is the best in
minor league baseball and his .507 On-Base Percentage is third…The former Oregon State product is second in the Eastern League with a .667 Slugging Percentage, despite not hitting a home run. Ellsbury is a candidate for Eastern League Player of the Month. He could become the first Sea Dog to earn the honor since Josh Beckett in August of 2001.