NEW BRITAIN, Connecticut — Robby Scott and Simon Mercedes combined on a four-hitter in the second game on Tuesday night, leading the Portland Sea Dogs to an 8-1 victory and a split of their Eastern League doubleheader against New Britain.
The Rock Cats won the opener 4-0.
In the nightcap, Reed Gagnani and Blake Tekotte each hit a two-run double during a four-run first that sparked the Sea Dogs (5-7) to victory. Jantzen Witte singled home two runs in the fourth as Portland broke the game open.
Scott got the start and worked three innings of three-hit ball with four strikeouts, before Mercedes (1-0) pitched the last three frames, giving up a hit and an unearned run with five strikeouts.
Juan Ciriaco hit an RBI single for New Britain (7-6) behind starter and loser Gus Schlosser (1-2), who lasted only two innings and allowed five hits and five runs.
In Game 1, Ryan Carpenter pitched a two-hit shutout to set the tone for New Britain’s victory.
Carpenter (1-2) struck out seven and walked one and went the distance in the seven-inning contest.
The Rock Cats scored all four of their runs in the fourth inning against Sea Dogs starter Justin Haley (0-2). Ciriaco had two singles among two hits for the winners, including a two-run hit in the fourth.
Noel Cuevas added a double.
The Sea Dogs managed only singles by Tekotte and Tim Robertson. Haley gave up four hits and four runs in 3⅓ innings, striking out three and walking three.
Kyle Martin shut out New Britain on three hits and struck out three in his 2⅔-inning stint.