TRENTON, N.J. – Michael Vento hit a three-run home run in the first inning as the Trenton Thunder defeated the Portland Sea Dogs 4-2 Wednesday afternoon.

Vento’s ninth home run of the season came off Portland’s Josh Stevens and gave the Thunder (59-58) a 3-0 lead. Portland (59-56) has lost seven games in a row.

Portland cut the lead to 3-2 in the third inning, but the Thunder added an insurance run in the seventh on a solo home run by Brian Myrow.

Trenton starter Brad Halsey pitched five-hit ball over eight innings to pick up the win and improve his record to 4-3. David Shepard pitched the final inning and picked up his eighth save.

Stevens (10-7) was the losing pitcher.