PORTLAND, Ore. - Josh Whitesell blasted a two-run home run in the seventh inning Thursday night, unlocking a tie and lifting Reno to its sixth-straight victory, an 8-6 win over Portland at PGE Park.
The Beavers posted three runs in the fifth, tying the score at 6-6. In the seventh, though, that deadlock was undone, as Whitesell hammered a Jonathan Ellis offering deep over the wall in right to put the Aces on top 8-6. The Aces bullpen would make the lead stand up, and Reno jumped above the .500 mark for the first time this season.
Aces reliever Jason Urquidez (2-1) worked 1.1 innings to pick up the victory. After Doug Slaten earned a hold with a scoreless eighth. Leo Rosales pitched the ninth inning for his third save.
Reno starter Yusmeiro Petit lasted four innings in a Major League rehab start, scattering three runs on four hits. Petit walked three and struck out three in a 78-pitch effort. At the plate, he helped his own cause with two hits and two RBIs.
Thursday's loss fell to Ellis (5-3), who surrendered the go-ahead runs in the seventh.
Whitesell led Reno's offense with two hits and four RBIs. John Hester finished 3-for-3 with a walk and a run scored.
The series comes to a close with a doubleheader on Friday. The Aces and Beavers will play two seven-inning games, beginning at 4:30 p.m. from PGE Park. In game one, Hector Ambriz (3-4, 4.45 ERA) takes on Tim Stauffer (0-0, 1.80). The nightcap will pit Bryan Augenstein (1-2, 6.16 ERA) against John Hudgins (0-0, 2.45). The action can be heard live on Fox Sports 1450 AM.