READING, Penn. (NEWS CENTER Maine) — Their first win of the season also marked the first time the Portland Sea Dogs put a new rule into play.
In order to speed up games, the minor leagues are trying to make scoring easier in extra innings by starting each additional frame with a runner on second base.
The Sea Dogs hadn't gone into extra innings so far this season until Tuesday night in Reading, Penn. With the game tied at 3-3, the rule went into effect for the 10th inning. Although the Tate Matheny knocked in the runner for the Sea Dogs, the Fightin Phils matched him with their own run to keep the game alive.
The Sea Dogs finally pulled ahead in the 13th inning without notching a hit. Through a series of walks, hit batters and wild pitches, the Dogs scored three runs off Garrett Cleavinger. The Phils got one run back before the Dogs cut them off for the 7-5 win. It was their first win in five games so far this season.
The Sea Dogs finish their series in Reading with an afternoon matinee on Wednesday. They return home to Portland for their first game of the season at Hadlock Field on Friday.
