HARTFORD, CONN.

The Hartford Yard Goats (35-45) hit back-to-back homers in the first and never lost the lead, defeating the Portland Sea Dogs (37- 40), 5-2, Sunday night in front of a sellout crowd at Dunkin Donuts Park in Eastern League action.

Hartford struck for three runs in the first inning off losing pitcher Trey Ball (2- 7). Omar Carrizales was hit by a pitch to start the frame. With one out, Drew Weeks launched a two-run homer and Brian Mundell followed with a solo shot.

Ball was beaten by righty Ryan Castellani (6-7), who worked 6 2/3 innings on seven hits and two runs to earn the win.

Trailing 4-0, Chad De La Guerra knocked Castellani out of the game with a two-run single in the seventh.

D.J. Johnson retired all four batters to earn the hold and Shane Broyles pitched the ninth to notch his ninth save of the year.

Deiner Lopez paced Portland’s eight-hit attack, going 3-for-4 with a run scored.

The two teams wrap-up their four-game series this afternoon beginning at 1:35 p.m. Travis Lakins (0-4, 6.51) makes his eighth start for Portland. Yency Almonte (3- 3, 1.87) takes the mound for Hartford.

The Sea Dogs are home Tuesday, opening a series with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.