Whitesell Powers Aces Past Beavers, 8-6

Published on June 26, 2009 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Portland Beavers News Release


PORTLAND, Ore. - Josh Whitesell smacked the game-winning two-run homer and had four RBIs and a run scored to lead the Reno Aces past the Portland Beavers 8-6 before 7,201 Thursday night at PGE Park.

With the game tied 6-6, Whitesell blasted a two-run shot to right field to secure the win for the Aces (37-36), who have won a season-high six straight games.

Yusmeiro Petit allowed three runs on four hits in four innings, while also going 2-for-2 at the plate with two RBIs.

John Hester doubled to lead off the third inning, and Petit, Alex Romero and Whitesell each added RBI singles in the frame to give the Aces an early 3-0 lead.

Following a walk by Jose Lobaton and a single by Sean Kazmar in the bottom of the third, Matt Antonelli hit a three-run homer to even the score, 3-3.

Brandon Watson grounded into a double play to score Chad Tracy from third and Petit drove in his second run of the game, also an RBI single, on the next pitch to extend the Aces' lead to two runs.

Mike O'Connor gave up six runs (5 earned) on eight hits over five innings in his PGE Park debut.

Ed Rogers walked, stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error before crossing the plate on a sacrifice fly by Whitesell in the fifth inning.

Mike Baxter laced a two-run single with the bases loaded and Drew Macias had an RBI knock as the Beavers (34-39) knotted the game in the fifth, 6-6.

Antonelli finished with three RBIs and two runs scored and Baxter went 2-for-3 with two RBIs.

Jason Urquidez (2-1) pitched a scoreless 1 1/3 innings to earn the win, while Jon Ellis (5-3) gave up a pair of runs on two hits in two innings to garner the loss. Leo Rosales (3) yielded no runs in the final frame to get his third save of the season.

The two teams conclude their four-game series on Friday with a doubleheader at PGE Park. The first of two seven-inning games begins at 4:30 p.m.

NOTES: Macias gunned down Romero at the plate from center field to end the third inning ... Thursday's crowd was the largest to attend a Beavers game this season ... the Beavers have given up double-digit hits in four consecutive games ... infielder Beamer Weems was transferred to Class A Lake Elsinore earlier in the day.

ALL-STAR COUNTDOWN: There are 20 days remaining until the 2009 Cricket Wireless Triple-A All-Star Game, which will be held Wednesday, July 15, at PGE Park. Tickets are available at the PGE Park box office, area Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at (800) 745-3000. For group tickets, contact the Beavers at (503) 553-5555.

Beavers Game File

THURSDAY'S GAME: Reno 8, Beavers 6

WINNING PITCHER: Urquidez (2-1)

LOSING PITCHER: Ellis (5-3)

SAVE: Rosales (3)

HOME RUNS: Antonelli (3), Whitesell (4)

FRIDAY'S GAMES: Game one: Reno (Hector Ambriz: 3-4, 4.45) at Portland (Tim Stauffer: 0-0, 1.80), 4:30 p.m. (Pacific). Game two: Reno (Bryan Augenstein: 1-2, 6.16) at Portland (John Hudgins: 0-0, 2.45); live audio broadcast on KKAD AM-1550 and www.portlandbeavers.com. Follow the Beavers on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PortlandBeavers

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Pacific Coast League Stories from June 26, 2009


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