(Manchester, NH) - Aaron Bates knocked in 5 runs for the Sea Dogs and Chris Smith (5-8) worked six strong innings as Portland blasted New Hampshire, 12-6 on Friday night at Merchantsauto.com Stadium.

With the victory, Portland moves a one full game ahead of New Hampshire for the second playoff spot in the Eastern League's Northern Division.

New Hamphshire starter Ricky Romero (2-6) lasted just 2 and 2/3 innings on six hits and eight runs (six earned) to take his fourth loss this year to Portland.

Smith allowed eight hits and four runs over six frames to earn his 23rd career win with Portland. The victory moves him into second place in franchise history behind Michael Tejera, who has 31 career wins. The righty is now the new win leader since Portland became a Red Sox affiliate in 2003.

Bates ignited a three-run first inning with a one-out, 3-run homer to left field. The Sea Dogs took an 8-1 advantage with five runs in the third inning. Bates knocked in the fourth run with a fielder's choice, on the play, a thirdbaseman's error led to two additional runs. Later in the inning, Chad Spann added an RBI single and John Otness produced a run-scoring double.

New Hampshire scored the game's next five runs off Smith and Kyle Jackson. Dustin Majewski, Erik Kratz and Juan Peralta all homered.

In the ninth inning with two outs, the Sea Dogs scored four runs with two outs off Tracy Thorpe. Bates and Keylor had RBI singles - Spann smacked a two-run double.

Andrew Dobies and Mike James each worked scoreless frames for the 'Dogs. Jackson allowed two runs on two hits over one inning.

Portland and New Hampshire meet in game three on Saturday night at Merchantsauto.com Stadium. LHP Tommy Hottovy (3-9, 5.49) takes on RHP Kyle Yates (8-7, 4.39).

Allied Home Mortgage Big Dog of the Game - Aaron Bates

Notes...Bates 5 RBI performance was his best with Portland - he had 6 RBI in a four homer game with Lancaster...The top five hitters scored all 12 runs...Jeff Natale went 1-for-3, 2 BB and 3 runs scored on his 25th birthday.