NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (AP) – The New Britain Rock Cats took advantage of two throwing errors to score four unearned runs in the second inning and held on to beat the Portland Sea Dogs 7-5 Monday night and extend their winning streak to eight games.

With the score tied 3-3 in the second, Gil Velazquez drew a leadoff walk and took second on a balk. Denard Span (3-for-4, 2 runs) laid down a bunt and catcher Alberto Concepcion threw the ball away, allowing Velazquez to score.

Tommy Watkins later grounded to shortstop Hanley Ramirez, who uncorked a wild throw that sent Span home. With two outs, Danny Matienzo hit an RBI double and Alex Romero followed with a run-scoring single to put the Rock Cats up 7-3.

Jim Abbott (5-2) allowed seven hits and four runs in five innings. Pat Neshek pitched two innings to gain his 16th save.

Doug Deeds hit a two-run homer, his 16th of the season, for New Britain (48-54).

Scott Youngbauer went 2-for-2 with two doubles for Portland (51-47), which fell out of first place in the North Division. Concepcion went 2-for-4 with two RBIs.

Denney Tomori (0-1) took the loss. He allowed seven runs on eight hits in two innings. Only four of the runs were earned.

The Rock Cats last won eight straight in 2003. The franchise record is nine straight set in 2001.

AP-ES-07-25-05 2316EDT