Norwich, CT – The Connecticut Defenders (41-31) scored early and often to grab the series finale from the Portland Sea Dogs (33-38) 7-2 on Thursday night at Dodd Stadium. Portland dropped 2 of 3 to the Defenders and has now lost 5 consecutive series. The first place Defenders improved their division lead to 7.5 games over the Sea Dogs and took 13 of 21 meetings from Portland this season.
LHP Madison Bumgarner (5-1) beat the Sea Dogs for the third time this season. The 19-year old lefty tied a career with 8 innings pitched (Double-A high), scattering four hits on one run, two walks and five strikeouts. Bumgarner went 3-0, 0.95 ....