The Sea Dogs completed a four-game sweep of the Trenton Thunder in three days, defeating the Yankee affiliate, 4-3 on Wednesday afternoon at Hadlock Field. Portland’s last four-game sweep at home came on April 7-10, 2005 against the Norwich Navigators in the opening series of the season.

Bryce Cox (1-1) earned the win for Portland, despite picking up a blown save for allowing the go-ahead run in the seventh inning. Chris Smith closed out the game with two perfect innings for his first professional save – Jeff Kennard (0-2) took the loss for Trenton, surrendering four hits and two runs over two innings pitched.

Portland (15-11) won their fifth straight game and their ninth in the last 11 at Hadlock Field. Trenton (21-8) suffers their first 4-game losing streak of the season and falls to 8-5 on the road.

Jed Lowrie had the game-winning hit for the Sea Dogs, doubling in two runs with two outs in the eighth inning. Trailing 3-2, Portland put two runners on base with singles from Andrew Pinckney and Zach Borowiak. Scott Youngbauer grounded into a fielder’s choice but the play at first base was very close, causing an argument from Trenton Manager Tony Franklin – Lowrie followed with the double.

Matt Goodson worked five strong innings for the Sea Dogs, fanning six on two hits, two runs and two walks.

Scott Patterson made his third start of the season for Trenton, scattering four hits, two runs in four and 2/3 innings pitched.

Jay Johnson had two hits for Portland, knocking in the game’s first run with a RBI single in the first inning. The Sea Dogs took a 2-0 lead in the third inning on Cory Keylor’s two-out RBI single.

Trenton tied the game in the sixth inning. Goodson was replaced by Cox in the sixth inning after walking two but Cox allowed two runs on a hit batter and a sacrifice fly. The Thunder took their second lead of the series in the seventh inning on Juan Francia’s two-out RBI single.

Notes…Scott Youngbauer was assigned to Portland early this morning when Pitcher John Barnes was sent back to Extended Spring Training…The Sea Dogs have won 9 of 11 at Hadlock Field.

Allied Home Mortgage Big Dog of the Game – Jed Lowrie & Chris Smith

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