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Friday, July 25, 2003
Good start leads to Dogs' fine finish
By DAVID DRIVER, Special to Portland Press Herald
Copyright 2003 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.
BOWIE, Md. -- This has not been the best of seasons for Portland pitcher Junior Herndon, who was signed by the Boston Red Sox in December. Herndon, a right-handed starter who pitched in the majors for the San Diego Padres in 2001, missed nearly three weeks of the season with a groin injury before he came off the disabled list earlier this month.
By DAVID DRIVER, Special to Portland Press Herald
Copyright 2003 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.
BOWIE, Md. -- This has not been the best of seasons for Portland pitcher Junior Herndon, who was signed by the Boston Red Sox in December. Herndon, a right-handed starter who pitched in the majors for the San Diego Padres in 2001, missed nearly three weeks of the season with a groin injury before he came off the disabled list earlier this month.
But Herndon buckled down and made it through five innings Thursday as the Sea Dogs beat Bowie 3-1 before 5,178 fans and won the series three games to one.
It was just the third time since 1996 that Portland won a series against Bowie, which left the tying runs on base in the ninth as Scott Aldred struck out Josh Hoffpauir to end the game and get his first save.
"Winning every series is the key. It is always good to win a series on the road," said Sea Dogs third baseman Kevin Youkilis, who had three hits, including a home run. "It is big for our team."
Herndon (6-4), who entered with an ERA of 5.23 after he was tagged for six runs in two innings in his last start Saturday, left the bases loaded after allowing one run in the bottom of the fifth. As he came off the mound he was greeted halfway to the third-base line by Portland Manager Ron Johnson, who shook Herndon's hand.
"He has been through a lot. He is out there to battle," said Portland catcher Kelly Shoppach of Herndon.
Apparently, the Boston front office has noticed.
"Generally, he has done a good job," said Ben Cherington, the director of player development for the Red Sox. "Overall he has been pretty consistent."
Herndon allowed four hits and one run with two walks and four strikeouts.
"Junior is a very professional individual. He brings experience to this ballclub. I just like his experience," said Portland pitching coach Bob Kipper.
"Right now, it is about consistency," said Herndon. "I need to have six or eight good starts in a row."
Bowie scored in the fifth when Herndon threw a wild pitch with the bases loaded and Mike Fontenot at the plate. Fontenot later walked, but Herndon retired Kris Wilken on a liner to right to end the threat.
The Portland offense was led by Youkilis, who hit a two-run homer in the first off Bowie starter Fernando Rijo (3-9) and added a single in the third and a double in the fifth before flying out deep to left in the seventh.
"He has been great from the get-go," said Cherington of Youkilis, who has now reached base in 58 straight games. Youkilis has reached base at least twice in 16 of the last 17 games.
Trace Coquillette, recently sent down from Triple-A Pawtucket, hit a solo homer in the sixth to give Portland a 3-1 lead.
NOTES: Cherington talked about Monday's trade of Sea Dogs closer Anastacio Martinez, who had 14 saves, to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
"We have some flexibility in the bullpen. There is a possibility there may be some additions, but I can't say who. It depends on the circumstances," he said.
"We may not have a definite closer today, but that may emerge over time. We will see how it goes."
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