Homers, Stults’ pitching propel 51s past Portland

Eric Stults pitched seven strong innings to lead the 51s to a 6-1 victory over the Portland Beavers in Pacific Coast League play Tuesday in Portland, Ore.

Las Vegas' offense consisted of three-run homers by John Lindsey and Angel Chavez.

Stults (4-6), who struck out eight and walked none, retired 15 in a row before Chip Ambres ended his shutout bid with a two-out home run in the seventh inning.

Stults gave up only two other hits -- a single in both the first and second innings -- and lowered his ERA from 3.90 to 3.64.

Matt Riley picked up his first save of the season by pitching two innings of one-hit ball.

Lindsey staked the 51s (30-29) to a 3-0 lead with his home run in the first inning off Justin Germano (0-1).

Germano, who allowed three hits in the first, settled down to shut out Las Vegas on three hits over the next five innings for Portland (29-28).

Chavez, who went 4-for-5, added his home run in the ninth.

The 51s are off today before opening an eight-game homestand with a four-game series against Tucson that begins at 7:05 p.m. Thursday at Cashman Field.