(Norwich, CT) - Jeff Natale's RBI fielder's choice in the seventh inning provided the lone run in Portland's 1-0 victory over the Connecticut Defenders on Wednesday night. The Sea Dogs grabbed two shutouts on their first roadtrip of the season and return home 5-1.

Miguel Asencio, who joined the Sea Dogs today from Extended Spring Training, picked up the win for Portland. Ascencio worked 2 and 2/3 scoreless innings in relief of Daniel Haigwood (4 scoreless innings, 2 hits and 7 strikeouts), allowing only two baserunners.

Beau Vaughan notched his second save of the season with a scoreless ninth. Kyle Jackson fired 1 and 1/3 scoreless innings and yielded a walk.

Adam Cowart (0-1) suffered the tough-luck loss for Connecticut. The righty worked six innings, scattering two hits, two walks and fanned four. Portland's run was unearned due to an error by shortstop Elmo Rosario and a passed ball by catcher Dayton Buller. With runners at second and third, Natale hit a slow roller in front of the plate allowing Grandillo to score. Pitcher Ronnie Ray tried to shovel Natale's slow roller out of his glove to home but failed.

Portland and Connecticut each had two hits but none after the third inning. The Sea Dogs had both hits in the third inning on singles by Andrew Pinckney and John Otness.

Big Dog of the Game - Entire pitching staff.

Notes...The 1-0 win was the first since Portland beat New Hampshire 1-0 on August 20, 2006 at Merchantsauto.com Stadium...The Sea Dogs pitchers recorded 41 strikeouts in the series.