PORTLAND — Strong pitching, timely hitting, and back-to-back home runs by Aaron Judge and Greg Bird were the winning formula for Trenton on Sunday as the Thunder defeated the Sea Dogs 8-2.

After taking a 1-0 lead on a sac fly by Taylor Dugas in the second inning, Trenton was able to extend its lead in the third on a two-out infield single by Greg Bird that scored two runs thanks to some aggressive baserunning by Aaron Judge, who scored from second on a ball hit to the edge of the outfield grass between first and second base.

Justin Haley couldnt make it out of the fifth inning for Portland. After walking Mason Williams to lead off the frame, Aaron Judge hit a two-run homer to extend the Trenton lead to 5-0. Greg Bird immediately followed up with a solo shot to center to make it 6-0. Haley allowed six runs (all earned) on eight hits, walking four and striking out one.

Portland mounted a rally in the sixth when Keury De La Cruz delivered a two-run double off Miguel Sulbaran to cut the Trenton lead to 6-2. Johnny Barbato then entered the game and was able to get out of the inning, leaving two Sea Dogs stranded. Sulbaran went 5 1/3 innings, allowing two earned runs on four hits while walking four and striking out four.

Today the Sea Dogs begin a three-game series with the Binghamton Mets at Hadlock Field. Patriots Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler will be at Hadlock Field to throw out the first pitch as well as sign autographs and take photos.