Final Score: Thunder 8, Portland 3

Synopsis: Abraham and Zoilo Almonte collected three hits apiece -- five singles and a home run (Zoilo), scored three times, drove in three runs and stole a pair of bases (one apiece), and the Thunder started their first winning streak of the year. Josh Romanski made his first start of 2012 and lasted 5 1/3 innings of three-run baseball. 

Key stat I: With two doubles and two longballs on Monday, 14 of the Thunder's 28 hits over the last two games have gone for extra bases, including nine home runs, which is as many as the team hit in all of last April.

Key stat II: Designated hitter Cody Johnson drew two walks on Monday, something he did just four times last season.  

Key stat III: Jose Pirela started at third base on Monday. It's the first time he's played the position in his career. 

Bad news: Starting pitcher Graham Stoneburner has tightness in his right groin and was placed on the disabled list retroactive to Saturday. Cory Arbiso, who relieved Romanski on Monday, will start on Thursday in Stoneburner's place. To take Stoneburner's spot on the roster and Arbiso's spot in the pen, the Thunder added Michael Dubee, whom the Yankees signed on Wednesday after the Pirates released him on March 31. He is the son of Phillies pitching coach Rich Dubee. 

Pettitte's Path: Yankees lefty Andy Pettitte threw three innings on Monday for High-A Tampa. He's scheduled to pitch again on Sunday for the T-Yanks, which would put him on pace to pitch on Friday against Harrisburg at Waterfront Park. Could Thunder fans see Pettitte in a Trenton uniform again? There's a good chance. 

Picks to Click: Here are my game story and notes from Monday's action. 

Flicks to Click: Here are eight videos from Monday night.