Somerset Patriots use eight-run inning in Game 1 playoff win over Portland

The Somerset Patriots can claim a postseason series victory at TD Bank Ballpark on Thursday night.

The Patriots used an eight-run fourth inning to a fuel a 9-4 victory over the Portland Sea Dogs in Game 1 of the Eastern League Northeast Division Series in Portland, Maine on Tuesday night.

The win was Somerset's first postseason victory since becoming the New York Yankees Double-A affiliate. The Patriots return home where they can clinch a spot in the Eastern League Championship Series with a win in Game 2 of their series with Portland at 6:35 p.m. Thursday.

Somerset fell behind 3-0, when Niko Kavadas and Hudson Potts hit back-to-back home runs for the Sea Dogs in the second inning.

Then in the fourth, the Patriots pieced together eight runs on five hits, four walks and an error.

Brandon Lockridge brought home the first run on a fielder's choice, and Eric Wagaman followed by driving in the second run on an infield single.

Portland starter Shane Drohan then left the game with the bases loaded before Ryan Zeferjahn came on and failed to retire any of the three batters he faced.

Zeferjahn issued back-to-back walks to Trey Sweeney and Jasson Dominguez to give the Patriots the lead.

Then, with the bases loaded, Austin Wells provided Somerset insurance with a two-run single.

Elijah Dunham capped the eight-run inning with another two-run single to put the Patriots up 8-3. Dunham collected four hits, his second four-hit game of the season.

Jesus Bastidas added three hits, while Trey Sweeney had two. All 12 Patriots hits were singles.

Sweeney added the Patriots' final run with an RBI single in the fifth inning.

Also see:Somerset Patriots eyeing first championship as Yankees affiliate

Randy Vasquez earned the win for Somerset, tossing 5.2 innings and allowing just the three runs on the back-to-back homers. Vasquez retired the next 12 batters he faced.

Yankees No. 9 prospect, righty Clayton Beeter will get the start for Somerset in Game 2 at TD Bank Ballpark. Beeter was acquired at the MLB trade deadline in a deal that sent Joey Gallo from the Yankees to the Dodgers.

Fans can follow the action live as Steven Cusumano calls the play-by-play on MiLB.tv and FOX Sports New Jersey 93.5 FM | 1450 AM, the Flagship Station for Patriots Baseball, with pregame coverage beginning at 6:20 p.m.

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Somerset Patriots win Game 1 of playoff series with Portland