NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (AP) – Luis Jimenez had three hits and drove in three runs Wednesday as the Portland Sea Dogs continued their dominance over the New Britain Rock Cats with a 12-4 victory in the Eastern League.

Portland (46-28) has won 11 of 15 games against the Rock Cats this season, six of seven in New Britain. The Rock Cats (31-43) drop to a season-worst 12 games under .500 and have lost 17 of 23.

With the Rock Cats leading 4-3 in the fifth, Jimenez delivered a two-out, two-run single.

He singled and scored in the second frame, and reached base twice in Portland’s six-run eighth – a rally that was fueled by five walks.

Jimenez has hit .500 (9-for-18) with two homers and 13 RBIs in his last four games in New Britain, all Portland victories. Last year with New Britain, he batted .278 with 16 homers and 69 RBIs.

Jonathan Searles (4-3) pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings in relief of starter Jose Vaquedano to gain the win for the Sea Dogs.

New Britain starter Glen Perkins (2-8) was tagged for eight hits and four runs in 4 2/3 innings.

The Portland bullpen held New Britain hitless over the last five innings.

New Britain pitchers walked eight batters, seven of whom scored.

Dusty Brown had a double, his second homer of the year and drove in two runs for Portland. David Bacani went 3-for-4 and walked twice.

Matt Tolbert hit a solo homer for New Britain, his second since rejoining the Rock Cats on Thursday. Doug Deeds had two hits and drove in two runs.

AP-ES-06-28-06 2328EDT