Topped in extras again

For the second consecutive game, the Rockets went to extra innings.

They walked away with a loss again.

The Portland Rockets out-hit the visiting Fort Wayne Blues on Friday night but gave up the only run of the game with two outs in the top of the 10th inning in a 1-0 defeat.

It was their second extra-innings loss in a row after falling 8-1 to the Fort Wayne Dirtbags on Tuesday.

After nine scoreless frames Friday night, Joel Deakins drew a two-out walk for Fort Wayne and advanced to second and then to third on a pair of passed balls. Justin Bultmeier handled the rest, delivering a single to center field to bring Deakins to the plate and give the Blues the 1-0 advantage.

Portland (4-13) had an opportunity to pull even or take the lead in the bottom of the 10th as Chase Hug came through with a one-out single to center field. But Cameron Pratt flied out to right field and then Matt Jindra struck out pinch hitter Keith Shepherd to end the game.

The lack of scoring from the Rockets wasted a gem from veteran left-hander Tyler Reynolds, who used his breaking pitches to keep Fort Wayne off balance as he went nine scoreless innings. He allowed just three hits and two walks while striking out nine.

Nick Bailey took the loss in relief.

The Rockets out-hit Fort Wayne 7-4, with Kasey Henderson and Jared Holly recording two hits apiece, but with the shutout they extended their scoreless streak to 21 consecutive innings. (They scored their lone run Tuesday in the opening frame.)

Portland will be back at Runkle-Miller Field today for a 1 p.m. doubleheader against the South Bend Royals.