PORTLAND – Nathan Panther’s homer provided the winning margin and Rafael Perez pitched six gutsy innings as the Akron Aeros beat the Portland Sea Dogs 4-3 on Wednesday.

Doubles by Eider Torres and Brad Snyder were the key hits as the Aeros grabbed a 2-0 lead in the first inning and Ryan Mulhern’s third-inning double sparked Akron’s third run.

The Sea Dogs picked up a run in each of the first three innings. Jeremy West doubled and scored the tying run in the third.

With two outs in the fifth, Panther lofted Portland starter Charlie Zink’s 3-1 offering high over the right field fence.

Perez scattered nine hits for three runs over six innings. The Sea Dogs repeatedly threatened, but Perez got the final out with men in scoring position in the first five innings.