Ken Lipshez - Turning his chances into victory; Reserve catcher John Otness gets the big hits as the Sea Dogs win the series finale at New Britain.
Otness smacked a double and a home run and drove in four runs Monday to lead the Sea Dogs to a 9-5 victory at New Britain Stadium.
Starting catcher Mark Wagner gets most of the attention as Jason Varitek's eventual replacement in Boston, but Otness is making his opportunities count.
"Those guys split time at the first part of the season," Sea Dogs Manager Arnie Beyeler said. "For whatever reason, (Otness is) in the role he's in and he shows up every day. He's swinging the bat very well this year, doing a great job, and he's a pleasure to have around."
Otness delivered a big blow in Portland's five-run first inning, ripping a two-run double to left off right-hander Jeff Manship.
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Neither Portland starter Dave Gassner nor Manship made it past the fourth inning. Control problems were costly to Manship (1-4), who walked Iggy Suarez and Jeff Corsaletti with one out in the first before successive hits by Aaron Bates, Zach Daeges and Otness and Sandy Madera's two-out infield hit made it 5-0.
"We're into deep counts and see a lot of pitches every night," Beyeler said. "These guys make pitchers work and there's something to be said for that. We put some good at-bats together and drove some balls."
Leadoff batter Mickey Hall hit a solo homer for the Sea Dogs. Brian Dinkelman homered for the Rock Cats with the bases empty in the third.
Mike James (3-3) allowed a run on three hits in relief of Gassner, who was working on three days' rest.
