PORTLAND — The Sea Dogs (12-19) used two unearned runs ”“ one in the seventh and one in the eighth ”“ to defeat the Trenton Thunder (14-17) 2-1 and take the opener of the three game series. The win ends Portland’s four-game losing streak as well as their seven-game home losing streak, as the Sea Dogs posted their first win at Hadlock Field since April 25 against the Trenton Thunder.

Coincidentally, the starting pitchers in April 25 game were the same in tonight’s game, as William Cuevas squared off against Brady Lail. The game got off to a scary start in the bottom of the first when Jantzen Witte (1-4) hit a line drive off the side of Lail’s jaw. Lail would exit the game, but was alert and walked off the field under his own power.

Trenton got on the board in the top of the sixth ”“ after a single by Aaron Judge (1-4, R) and a double by Eric Jagielo (1-4, 2B), Dante Bichette Jr. (2-3, RBI) hit a sac fly to give Trenton a 1-0 lead. The Sea Dogs would answer in the bottom of the seventh: With runners on first and second and nobody out, Reed Gragnani laid down a sac bunt that Trenton pitcher Kyle Haynes (L, 0-3) threw past the first baseman, allowing Keury De La Cruz (1-3, R, RBI) to score and tie the game. Portland took the lead in the eighth on a sac fly by De La Cruz that scored Carlos Asuaje (2-4, R), who had advanced to second base on an error and third on a wild pitch. Trenton finished the game 0-for-11 with runners in scoring position. The win marked the first this season by Portland when they were trailing after six innings (0-18 prior to tonight).

Kyle Martin (1-0) picked up the win for Portland, throwing three perfect innings in relief and striking out five. William Cuevas delivered his second straight quality start for the Sea Dogs, going six innings and allowing one run on five hits, while walking three and striking out six.

The series continues tomorrow night at Hadlock Field, first pitch comes at 6 p.m. Miguel Sulbaran (2-1, 2.45) is scheduled to start for Trenton, while Portland’s starter is TBD. Pregame coverage begins at 5:40 p.m. on the WPEI U.S. Cellular Sea Dogs Radio Network. Tickets are still available and can be purchased by phone at 879-9500 or online at seadogs.com.

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