TRENTON, N.J. — The Trenton Thunder (3-1) spoiled the Double-A debut of Ty Buttrey (0-1), defeating the Portland Sea Dogs (2-3), 5-3 on Monday night at Arm & Hammer Park in the series opener.

Trenton scored in three straight innings, knocking Buttrey out of the game in the fifth. The right-hander lasted 4.1 innings on four hits, three runs, five walks and three strikeouts.

The Thunder struck in the fourth for two runs on three hits. Juan Silva had an RBI single and Kyle Higashioka delivered a sacrifice fly. Silva knocked in the third run with a sac-fly in the fifth. Trenton took a 4-0 lead on a Lance Adams single in the sixth.

Portland rallied for three runs off Matt Tracy in the eighth. Cole Sturgeon tripled and scored on a Jantzen Witte ground out. Raniel Rosario drew a two-out walk and scored on Henry Ramos’ triple. In the home eighth, Trenton added insurance on Dustin Fowler’s two-out run-scoring double off Mike McCarthy.

The Sea Dogs received a lead-off walk by Tim Roberson in the ninth inning, but Mark Montgomery retired the next three batters for his second save of the year.

The Sea Dogs and Thunder (Yankees affiliate) play game two of their series on Tuesday night at Arm & Hammer Park. Pre-Game coverage on the U.S. Cellular Sea Dogs Radio Network begins at 6:40 PM with first pitch at 7p.m. RHP Aaron Wilkerson (1-0, 0.00) makes his second start of the season for Portland. LHP Jordan Montgomery takes the hill for Trenton.

Portland’s first homestand begins April 14th against the Hartford Yard Goats. Tickets are available at 207-879- 9500 or online at seadogs.com.