MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) – The pitching of Jon Lester and David Pauley tossed back to back victories to pace the Portland Sea Dogs to Monday’s doubleheader sweep of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

Portland (47-40) posted wins of 3-0 and 4-1 to take a two game lead over New Hampshire (46-43) for first place in the Northern Division.

In the opener, Lester (7-2) tossed a one hit shutout and Jim Buckley launched his third homer of the season.

Portland struck for two runs in the sixth as Buckley led off with a solo homer. Hanley Ramirez later added a sacrifice fly that scored Chris Durbin. Jared Sandberg added an insurance RBI double in the seventh.Josh Banks (7-8) took the loss.

In the nightcap, Pauley (5-3) allowed one run while Jared Sandberg, David Murphy and Kenny Perez notched two hits and knocked in a run each.

Ismael Ramirez (6-9) took the loss.

AP-ES-07-11-05 2226EDT