NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — Peter Hissey’s RBI single in the 10th inning gave the Portland Sea Dogs a 4-3 win in the Eastern League series opener over the New Britain Rock Cats.

Drake Britton went seven strong innings for Portland, allowing two runs on five hits with three strikeouts.

Zach Gentile, just called-up from Single-A Salem, entered the game for Jackie Bradley Jr. in the first inning and went 2-for-2 with two doubles. Bradley, 1-for-1, hurt his ankle rounding second base on a Jeremy Hazelbaker single.

The Rock Cats led-off the game with four consecutive singles as part of an early offensive surge, staking New Britain to a 2-0 advantage. After New Britain loaded the bases, Britton threw a wild pitch, allowing Aaron Hicks to come to the plate. Chris Colabello followed with an RBI single.

The Sea Dogs cut New Britain’s lead in half in the fourth. Xander Bogaerts singled and Hissey ripped a double for Portland’s first run.

Ryan Dent’s two-run double in the seventh gave Portland a 3-2 lead, but the Rock Cats answered in the eighth off reliever Michael Olmsted to send the game to extra frames.

Jason Urquidez (4-2) earned the win. He pitched two shutout innings with one strikeout.

New Britain starter B.J. Hermsen took the loss, tossing 6.1 innings and giving up three runs on 11 hits.

Portland takes on New Britain in game two of the three-game set tonight at 7:05 p.m. The Sea Dogs will send right-handed pitcher Jeremy Kehrt (7-3, 4.09) to the hill against New Britain’s Andre Albers (4-3, 3.64).

The ’Dogs will be back at Hadlock Field for a four-game series beginning Thursday against the Binghamton Mets 7 p.m.

Tickets are available at www.seadogs.com