Exhibition action for Sea Dogs

Shannon Wilkerson went 1-for-2 with a double and 2 walks today.

After two days without getting a full game in, the Sea Dogs traveled to Minnesota’s complex on Wednesday afternoon to play New Britain. The Rock Cats used a two-run seventh to beat Portland 5–4. Former Sea Dog Reynaldo Rodriguez had the game-winning hit, delivering a run-scoring infield single.

Portland had nine hits in the contest, but most of the starters in today’s game could be somewhere else once the dust finally settles. Shannon Wilkerson had a sensational day, going 1-for-2 with a double and two walks. Wilkerson made a great diving catcher in centerfield in the first inning. Keury De La Cruz, Bo Greenwell, Jonathan Roof and Aneury Taverez had run-scoring hits.

Wilfredo Boscan started for Portland and featured a sharp curveball. Robby Scott and Matty Ott closed out the game in relief.

Nice to see former Sea Dog Tony Thomas play for New Britain. He went 0-for-2 and struck out to end the game. During minor league exhibition games, the home team will still bat in the ninth if they’re leading.

David Ortiz holding court at JetBlue Park

Daniel Nava played in the Triple-A game on Wednesday.

Faces in the Crowd

1. Had a long conversation with former Sea Dog Ryan Pressly. He was a MLB Rule 5 pick by the Twins in 2013. He was just sent to Triple-A Rochester, but he’ll be back in the Majors. Great perspective and a great person.
2. Daniel Nava played in the Triple-A game and batted almost every inning…Alex Hassan and Bryce Brentz homered in Pawtucket’s 10–1 win over Rochester.
3. The Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo was at the minor league games.
4. Spent the day watching the games with new PawSox broadcaster Josh Mauer and Rochester’s voice Josh Whetzel.
5. Weird to see Miguel Gonzalez beat Allen Webster at the Major League game — both are former Sea Dogs.
6. David Ortiz was holding court in the dugout during batting practice this morning.
7. Tony LaRussa was at the Twins Complex today, explaining the new replay rules to Ron Gardenhire.
8. Most of the fans at the Twins Complex was asking me if Greenwell was Mike’s son — yes he is.
9. My interview with Jackie Bradley Jr. from this morning.

I’ll never bat .300, but I got Press Credential #300

Will Middlebrooks working before today’s game with Maine native Brian Butterfield.