(New Britain, CT) – Jeff Natale’s two-out homer in the top of the 9th inning snapped a 1-1 tie and gave a Portland a 2-1 victory over the Rock Cats on Saturday in New Britain. Natale, who grew up in Hamden, Connecticut, finished the game 2-for-3 and scored twice.

Chad Rhoades and Mike James closed out the afternoon with three perfect innings to lead the Sea Dogs in their second straight win over the ‘Cats. Rhoades (1-0) earned the win, recording both of his strikeouts to end innings. James retired Felix Molina, Brock Peterson and Matt Moses in the 9th inning to notch his 23rd career save in the Eastern League.

Jay Sawatski took the loss for New Britain, allowing Natale’s homer with two-outs.

Michael Bowden lasted four and 2/3 innings in his first start of the season. The 21-year old righty scattered two hits, one run and fanned five. Anthony Swarzak had a strong outing for New Britain, hurling five innings on three hits and one run.

Portland broke the drought with a run in the fifth inning off Swarzak. Natale led off with a single and scored on Andrew Pinckney’s RBI-double down the right field line. The Rock Cats came right back, scoring their run on David Martin’s run-scoring double.

New Britain was 0-for-7 with runners-in-scoring position and 1-for-16 in the series. They failed to score twice in Saturday’s game when having a runner at second base and nobody out. Portland’s bullpen hasn’t allowed a run in 9 and 1/3 innings in the two games.

The Sea Dogs can sweep the opening series of the season with a win on Sunday afternoon. Chris Smith shoots for his 25th career win in Portland and Jay Rainville will counter for New Britain.

Notes…Bowden retired 13 of the first 14 batters faced…Natale, Pinckney and John Otness combined for five hits – all three didn’t play on Thursday night in the opener.

Big Dog of the Game – Jeff Natale