MANCHESTER, N.H.

Kevin McAvoy improved to 3-1 in his last four starts, leading the Portland Sea Dogs (42-44) to a 6-1 win over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (34-55) on Thursday night at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium.

Portland has won four of its last five games, kicking off the second half with its 42nd win of the year in Eastern League play.

McAvoy (4-6) earned the win, making his third straight start against the Fisher Cats. The righty tossed seven innings on six hits, one run (unearned), one walk and three strikeouts. The lone run occurred in the seventh when Jeremy Barfield dropped a fly ball into right field, enabling Lourdes Gurriel to score.

The ’Dogs took a 2-0 lead in the third inning on a two-run homer by Eastern League All-Star Danny Mars.

Portland knocked out Jon Harris (4-9) in the sixth inning, scoring four times to take a 6-0 lead. Mike Olt delivered a one-out RBI single and Cole Sturgeon cracked a three-run homer over the right-field wall.

Harris, who was 3-0 against the ’Dogs this season, gave up six runs (three earned) over 5 2/3 innings.

Portland’s bullpen closed out the win with scoreless innings from Trevor Kelley and Bobby Poyner.

The Sea Dogs and Fisher Cats continue their series tonight beginning at 7:05 p.m. from Northeast Delta Dental Stadium. Trey Ball (3-7, 4.91) takes on Shane Dawson (1-9, 5.98).