Portland, ME - Jonathon Niese and two relievers combined on a six-hit shutout, as the Binghamton Mets took the opening game of a four-game series at Hadlock Field Thursday night with a 2-0 win before 5,229 fans.

The Sea Dogs were limited to only three base runners in scoring position, and only two runners reached third base in the defeat.

Niese (2-1) lowered his league leading ERA to 0.73, tossing six innings of five-hit ball on two walks and five strikeouts. Salvador Aguilar fired to scoreless innings, working around a hit and walk in the eighth inning, and Eddie Kunz hurled a perfect ninth frame for his fourth save.

On a day when scheduled starter Justin Masterson pitched effectively for the Red Sox in Boston, the Sea Dogs bullpen shined. Kyle Jackson retired 12 of the 13 batters he faced in a spot start, his first since 2005. Miguel Asencio (1-1) allowed a run in two innings to suffer the loss.

Fernando Martinez, the Mets' top prospect according to Baseball America, accounted for both Binghamton runs. Martinez hit a one-out single in the sixth inning, stole second and scored on Daniel Murphy's two-out single. Martinez then singled in Binghamton's second run with a two-out single off Chad Rhoades.

Bubba Bell was the only Sea Dog with multiple hits, as he doubled twice and walked. Iggy Suarez walked and doubled. Portland was 0 for 4 with runners in scoring position.

NOTES: The Sea Dogs lead the Eastern League in average attendance, averaging 4,680 fans through nine games at Hadlock Field...Sandy Madera has now hit safely in his first eight games with Portland after a second inning infield single... Aaron Bates extended his hit streak to nine games with a fourth inning single.