NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — The Portland Sea Dogs wasted no time shaking off a listless performance in the first game of Tuesday’s doubleheader against the New Britain Rock Cats.

Reed Gragnani and Blake Tekotte delivered two-run doubles in a four-run first inning in the nightcap, and Robby Scott pitched well in a rare starting role as the Sea Dogs gained a split with an 8-1 victory at New Britain Stadium.

Portland suffered a 4-0 loss in the opener, managing just two hits off Ryan Carpenter, who went all seven innings for the Rock Cats.

The teams were scheduled to start the three-game series Monday, but a day-long rain forced a postponement and instead of making up the game later in the season, they elected to play a pair Tuesday.

Portland Manager Billy McMillon juggled his rotation, opting to give Scott, one of the top relievers in the Eastern League last season in his first year in Portland, the start in Game 2.

It was only the second career start in five minor league seasons for the left-hander, who was 8-2 with a 1.96 ERA in 35 appearances last season when he led the Eastern League relievers in wins and ERA.

Scott scattered three hits – all singles – with no walks and four strikeouts, but didn’t get credit for the win as he was pulled after four scoreless innings.

“We were hoping for three; he gave us four,” said McMillon. “He really picked us up. He saved us another arm in the bullpen. Four innings is probably the longest he’s gone in his career.”

Scott gave up two-out singles in each of the first three innings.

“We’re in a tough spot with our pitching, having a doubleheader after the rainout,” he said. “I didn’t know how many innings I was going to be able to go.

“I was just trying to pound the strike zone early and often, and pitch to contact. I had real good feel for my fastball command, so it’s definitely something I can build off.”

The Sea Dogs’ offense continued to tack on runs after reaching Gus Schlossser (1-2) for four in the first.

Jantzen Witte hit a sacrifice fly in the second and a two-run single in the fourth when the Sea Dogs scored three runs to extend their lead to 8-0.

Simon Mercedes pitched the final three innings, allowing an unearned run in the sixth, and was awarded the win.

The Rock Cats took their first home loss after opening with five straight wins at New Britain Stadium, their best home start since they won a franchise-record seven straight in New Britain to begin the 2001 season.

The Sea Dogs failed to get a runner past first base in the opener. Tekotte and Tim Roberson hit singles in the third, but Tekotte was thrown out at second leading off.

Carpenter, who threw 60 of his 87 pitches for strikes, retired the final 14 batters he faced. He walked one and struck out seven, including David Chester looking to end the game.

Portland starter Justin Haley (0-2) struggled with his control, walking three and hitting three batters, and was knocked out in the fourth inning when the Rock Cats scored all four runs.

With the bases loaded, No. 9 hitter Juan Ciriaco, who had started the season 1 for 13, lined a two-run single into center field, giving Carpenter all the support he needed.