PORTLAND, Maine — A five-run fifth inning proved to be the difference maker for the Portland Sea Dogs beat the Trenton Thunder 7-3 to win their second straight game.
Trenton (9-7) took the lead in the top of the fifth with back-to-back doubles by Cito Culver and Dan Fiorito (3-for-3, 2 RBI).
However, the Sea Dogs (7-9) would respond in a big way, batting around in the bottom half of the inning and scoring five runs on six hits. It was the second time Portland batted around in as many games, and the third time this week.
David Chester (2-for-4, 2 RBI) provided the biggest blow with a bases-loaded, two-run double. The Sea Dogs are now 7-0 this season when holding the lead after the fifth inning (0-9 when trailing after five).
William Cuevas (2-1) was strong in his third start of the season, allowing just one earned run on five hits in 5⅓ innings, walking two and striking out four.
Trenton added a run on a wild pitch by Simon Mercedes in the seventh, but Portland quickly responded with an RBI groundout by Blake Tekotte in the bottom of the inning.
Jantzen Witte (2-for-5, 2 RBI) continued his torrid pace, delivering a two-out, RBI double in the eighth. He now has 16 RBI in 14 games and is hitting .545 (6-for-11) with eight RBI with runners in scoring position and two outs.
Brady Lail (0-2) was the losing pitcher for Trenton, allowing five runs (all earned) on five hits in 4⅓ innings while walking four and striking out three.