The Harrisburg Senators (39-32) scored twice in the first inning and led wire to wire to take the rubber match over the Sea Dogs (26- 45) 5-2 in front of 6,344 fans on Thursday night at Hadlock Field.
Making his Double-A debut, Jalen Beeks struck out a career high 10 batters in five innings, but was saddled with the loss. Beeks allowed four runs (three earned) on eight hits and one walk. Seven of the eight hits allowed by Beeks were singles, including two bunts.
The Senators got on the board on an RBI single by Isaac Ballou in the first — he had 10 RBI in the series.
Chris Bostick hit a sac fly two batters later to score Wilmer Difo and make it 2-0 Harrisburg after one.
The Senators added another run in the third on a dropped by ball by Aneury Tavarez that allowed Wilmer Difo to score from first base. The extended the lead in the fourth on an RBI safety squeeze from Rafael Bautista to score Zach Collier and make it 4-0.
Tavarez led off the bottom of the fifth for Portland with a solo homer, his second of the season.
Senators’ starter Phillips Valdez (W, 1-1) kept the Sea Dogs offense at bay with just one run allowed on four hits in five innings, walking two and striking out six.
Mauricio Dubon also made his Double-A debut tonight for Portland and finished 1-for-3 with a triple, walk, and run scored on an RBI groundout by Andrew Benintendi.
The Sea Dogs’ homestand continues as they welcome the Reading Fightin Phils into Hadlock Field for a three-game weekend series, first pitch Friday night is at 7:00 p.m. Mitch Atkins (2-2, 3.86) makes the start for Portland against Nick Pivetta (7-4, 3.27) for Reading.
Tickets are still available and can be purchased by calling 207-879-9500 or online at seadogs.com.

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