NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — Three New Britain pitchers combined to allow two hits and strike out 11 in a 2-1 win over the Portland Sea Dogs on Saturday night at New Britain Stadium in Connecticut.

Jeff Hoffman, 22, started for New Britain (62-69) and held the Sea Dogs (49-84) to one hit through six innings.

Hoffman struck out six and walked two.

New Britain took the lead in the second inning when Pat Valaika scored on a safety squeeze by Joey Wong.

The Sea Dogs were hitless until the fourth but were able to score when Manuel Margot singled, moved to second on a sacrifice by Cole Sturgeon and to third on a groundout before scoring on an error.

The Rock Cats wasted no time in reclaiming the lead as Justin Morneau, on a three-game major league rehab assignment, led off the bottom of the fourth with a home run.

Reliever Kraig Sitton took over in the seventh for the Rock Cats and needed 12 pitches to strike out the side. The 6-foot-5 lefty also pitched a perfect eighth and struck out another batter.

Sitton needed 23 pitches to finish his two innings.

Closer Carlos Estevez allowed a single to Sam Travis without two outs in the ninth, but got Tim Roberson to strike out to end the game. Estevez earned his 10th save of the season.

Justin Haley (5-14, 5.43) made his team-leading 26th start of the season for Portland. He allowed three hits and struck out six.

John Cornely pitched the final two innings for Portland, allowing one hit and striking out two.

The teams will play the final game at New Britain Stadium at 1:35 p.m. Sunday.

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