Gameday Audio: Craig Colbert, Terrmel Sledge

Two Portland errors led to three unearned runs and were the difference in the Beavers’ 3-1 loss to Las Vegas on Wednesday night at PGE Park. A solid pitching performance for Portland righthander Jarad Wells (2-7) was overshadowed by these infield defensive miscues and a stalwart performance by 51s’ righhander D.J. Houlton. Houlton (10-8) allowed only two hits over seven innings.

Craig Colbert talks about the loss and the performance of Jared Wells: Listen to Audio

Terrmel Sledge talks about finding his swing this late in the year: Listen to Audio Wells was nearly as resolute following a handful of shaky outings in which his ERA rose to 8.00 over 12 starts. After an August 18 shootout in which Wells surrendered seven runs (six earned) through 1.1 IP, the 2005 Padres Minor League Player of the Year came back with his good stuff and held Las Vegas hitless through 3.1 IP.

The 51s scored their runs following two infield errors at the expense of David Matranga and Paul McAnulty, which, in the end, decided the contest. Wells looked sharp through 8 frames, striking out three, walking two, and only allowing four hits. Portland reliever Mike Adams hurled a scoreless ninth inning.

One bright spot in the Beavers’ offense was a towering homerun by left-handed hitter Terrmel Sledge that landed on the mezzanine plateau of the Multnomah Athletic far beyond the right field fence.