Haeger spins a beauty in Portland's 5-1 win

Christian Vazquez 4-for-5, 2 RBI
Manchester, New Hampshire - Knuckleballer Charlie Haeger (4-4) tossed eight scoreless innings and his battery-mate Christian Vazquez went 4-for-5, aiding the Portland Sea Dogs (39-38) in a 5-1 win over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (39-41) on Friday night at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium.

Haeger scattered seven hits, six strikeouts and did not issue a walk for the first time since a MLB Rehab start in 2010 with the Arizona Dodgers.  The righty threw 75 of 115 pitches for strikes, and earned his first career win against New Hampshire.

Marcus Walden (5-8), who beat the Sea Dogs in three previous starts this year, was saddled with the loss. Walden tossed seven innings on eight hits and two runs.

The Sea Dogs cracked the ice with a two-spot against Walden in the fourth.  Michael Almanzar led off the frame with a single and advanced to second base on a throwing error by the left fielder.  After a ground out, Vazquez nailed a run-scoring single to left field and scored on a single by Heiker Meneses.

Meneses and Vazquez were the dynamic duo in the eighth inning.  Vazquez knocked home Almanzar with a run-scoring double.  With two outs, Meneses nailed an RBI single to center.  Almanzar knocked in Portland's final run with an RBI double in the eighth.

Clint Robinson homered in the ninth for New Hampshire's lone run.  Garin Cecchini went 1-for-3, double and two walks, and has reached base safely in all six games with Portland.

Prime Motor Group Player of the Game: Charlie Haeger (8 IP, 7 H, 6 SO)

The Sea Dogs and New Hampshire Fisher Cats continue their four-game series tonight from Northeast Delta Dental Stadium.  Righty Matt Barnes (4-4, 5.03) gets the start for Portland.  New Hampshire counters with righty Deck McGuire (4-7, 5.53)

Radio coverage begins at 6:45 PM on the U.S. Cellular Sea Dogs Radio Network and via the Tune-In Radio app for smartphones and tablets.  The Sea Dogs return home on July 1st against the Trenton Thunder (Yankees affiliate). Tickets are available by calling 207-879-9500 or at seadogs.com.