MANCHESTER — Brian Van Kirk hit a roof-shot grand slam in the first inning, and New Hampshire exploded for eight runs in the first inning — and still lost.

Portland's Dan Butler and Peter Hissey each drove in runs in the 11th inning, and the Sea Dogs outlasted the Fisher Cats for a 10-9 win at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium on Friday night.

Last-place New Hampshire (38-62) sent 11 men to the plate in the first inning, racking up seven hits, before a crowd of 7,116. They teed off on Portland lefty Will Latimer, tagged for seven earned runs. Jake Marisnick walked and singled, scoring two runs in the frame. Van Kirk's grand slam, which landed on top of the Sam Adams Bar & Grill, gave the Fisher Cats a 5-2 lead. They kept hammering Latimer for two more runs, then made it 8-2 with another run against reliever Jason Urquidez.

Portland (44-56) kept pecking away at the deficit with 14 hits, trimming the deficit to 8-5 by the sixth inning. In the eighth, New Hampshire reliever Chorye Spoon — of all people — gave up a three-run homer as Portland tied the game. Spoon pitched for the Sea Dogs this season and was released by the Red Sox last weekend. He signed with Toronto and made his Fisher Cats debut in the eighth inning. The righty gave up a three-run homer to Jackie Bradley, Jr., who worked the count full and ripped an opposite-field shot onto the Hilton Garden Inn patio.

Former Keene Swamp Bats righty Josh Fields (3-3) pitched the eighth, ninth and 10th without allowing a hit, earning the win for Portland. Fisher Cats newcomer Michael Dubee (2-4) took the loss after giving up hits to Reynaldo Rodriguez, Butler and Hissey in the 11th. Portland's outfield trio of Bradley, Hissey and Ronald Bermudez combined for six hits and seven RBIs.

Seven-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens, in town to watch son Koby play for the Fisher Cats, threw a round of batting practice before the game. Among those hitting in the cage was 17-year-old Kacy Clemens, a high school senior-to-be in Texas. Kacy, a strong right-hander, has been clocked in the low 90s. He also swings a powerful bat from the left side.

The four-game series continues tonight as lefty Drake Britton (1-3, 5.36 ERA) takes the mound for Portland. The Fisher Cats have yet to announce their starter for the 7:05 p.m. contest.