Ortiz reflects on Hamilton

By Dan Hickling
Globe Correspondent

PORTLAND, Maine -- Another nugget from the pre-game presser. You may remember that Ortiz was on hand at Yankee Stadium for the All-Star bash, including the Home Run derby. Ortiz reflected on the first round 29-homer performance by Texas’ Josh Hamilton.

“I got tired,” he said. “Nobody ever gets tired from seeing somebody hit homers. But I did get tired. That was ridiculous. The funny thing about it is that he wanted to get advice from me. He said, ‘Hey Papi, what should I do for the second round.’ I said ‘Dude, are you serious?’”

As for homers, Connecticut shortstop Almo Rosario hit one off Gassner in the top of the third (Portland 6-2, now) then aped Ortiz signature gesture as he crossed the plate while looking into the Sea Dog dugout.

More to come ...