Early homers leads the way, 'Dogs fall 5-2 in Hartford

Hartford, CT - The Hartford Yard Goats (35-45) hit back-to-back homers in the first and never lost the lead, defeating the Portland Sea Dogs (37-40), 5-2, Sunday night in front of a sellout crowd at Dunkin Donuts Park.

Hartford struck for three runs in the first inning off losing pitcher Trey Ball (2-7). Omar Carrizales was hit by a pitch to start the frame. With one out, Drew Weeks launched a two-run homer and Brian Mundell followed with a solo-shot.
Ball was beaten by righty Ryan Castellani (6-7), who worked 6.2 innings on seven hits and two runs to earn the win. Trailing 4-0, Chad De La Guerra knocked Castellani out of the game with a two-run single in the seventh. 
D.J. Johnson retired all four batters to earn the hold and Shane Broyles pitched the ninth to notch his ninth save of the year.
Deiner Lopez paced Portland's 8-hit attack, going 3-for-4 with a run scored.
The two teams wrap-up their four-game series on Monday afternoon beginning at 1:35 PM at Dunkin Donuts Park. RHP Travis Lakins (0-4, 6.51) makes his eighth start of the year for Portland. RHP Yency Almonte (3-3, 1.87) takes the mound for the 11th time.
Listen live on the U.S. Cellular Sea Dogs Radio Network beginning at 1:20 PM and watch on MiLB.TV starting at 1:30 PM.