Trenton takes series finale, 5-1 on Sunday

Trenton, NJ - The Trenton Thunder (9-7) used a four-run first inning to beat the Portland Sea Dogs (6-9), 5-1, Sunday afternoon in the series finale at Arm & Hammer Park. Portland dropped two of three in the series and continues their six-game trip on Monday night in Hartford. 

Trenton built a four-run first inning on three straight walks by Kyle Hart (L, 1-2). Crawford's bases-loaded walk knocked in the first run. Bruce Caldwell reached on a run-scoring fielder's choice, Ben Ruta delivered an RBI single, and a throwing error by third baseman Josh Tobias scored the fifth run.
Hart ended up pitching six innings, allowing five runs (four earned), including a solo-homer to Caldwell in the sixth.
Portland scored their lone run in the seventh inning on an RBI groundout by Jordan Betts. Tate Matheny scored both runs the last two games for the Sea Dogs.
Yankory Pimentel fanned four over two scoreless in relief of Hart.
Trenton's Stephen Tarpley earned the win, allowing one run over two innings pitched. Alex Vargas made his first appearance of the '18 and his Double-A debut for Trenton and worked 4.1 scoreless on two hits, two walks, and four strikeouts.
Luke Tendler and Josh Tobias each had two hits for the Sea Dogs.
The Sea Dogs open up a three-game series with the Hartford Yard Goats (Rockies affiliate) on Monday night at Dunkin Donuts Park. Game time is 7:05 PM. Righty Kevin McAvoy takes on Jack Wynkoop for the second time this season. Radio coverage begins at 6:50 PM on the U.S. Cellular Sea Dogs Radio Network and the TuneIn App. 
Portland returns to Hadlock Field on April 27th to start a six-game homestand. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.seadogs.com or calling 207-879-9500.