(New Britain, CT) – The Portland Sea Dogs used a three-run first inning to defeat the New Britain Rock Cats, 6-3 on Sunday afternoon at New Britain Stadium. Portland completed a three-game sweep of the 'Cats and resume their roadtrip on Monday night at Dodd Stadium against the Defenders.

Jose Vaquedano (2-0) earned his second win in relief, working one and 2/3 scoreless innings with two strikeouts. Portland's bullpen allowed one run in 14 innings during the series. Hunter Jones recorded the final four outs to notch his third career save with the Sea Dogs.

Jay Rainville took the loss in his Double-A debut. The righty walked five over three and 1/3 innings, surrendering four runs on four hits. Kris Johnson shined in his first outing with Portland, scattering five hits and two runs over four and 1/3 innings.
The Sea Dogs had eight hits but none came during innings 3-through-7. Portland left 14 runners-on-base and went 4-for-20 with runners-in-scoring position.

In the first inning, Aaron Bates (1-for-3, 2 RBI) drew a bases loaded walk to force in the first run. Mark Wagner followed with an RBI single and Andrew Pinckney added a run-scoring fielder's choice. Bates gave Portland a 5-2 lead with an RBI single in the eighth inning. The sixth run scored courtesy of a throwing error by shortstop Felix Molina.

New Britain scored twice off Johnson in the second inning. Dustin Martin doubled home David Winfree and Felix Molina stroked a two-out RBI single.

Tony Granadillo added three hits for Portland. Ryan Khoury doubled and walked three times.

Dustin Richardson makes his Double-A debut on Monday night when the 'Dogs take on the Defenders.

Notes...Sunday's game took 3 hours and 34 minutes - game time temperature was 42 degrees...Portland scored six of nine runs in the series during innings eight and nine.

Big Dog of the Game - Jose Vaquedano & Tony Granadillo