PORTLAND (AP) – Julian Benavidez drove in two runs with a double and Chris Begg pitched 7 2/3 strong innings as the Norwich Navigators handed the Portland Sea Dogs their fifth straight loss 6-2 Tuesday in the Eastern League.

Mike Lockwood homered in Portland’s loss.

After three scoreless innings, Benavidez’s two-run double off the left-field wall was the key hit as the Navigators (40-37) took a 3-0 lead in the fourth.

The Sea Dogs (35-43) scored one in the fifth on a walk, stolen base and two ground outs. Lockwood’s homer narrowed the deficit to 3-2 in the eighth.

Justin Knoedler’s triple and Derin McMains’ double sparked three Norwich runs in the ninth. Begg struck out four, walked two and gave up two runs over 7 2/3 innings as he improved to 5-1.

Portland starter Kason Gabbard dropped to 0-1 with the loss.

AP-ES-06-29-04 2203EDT