PORTLAND — The Portland Sea Dogs (49-61) opened a six game homestand Tuesday night by shutting out the Eastern League’s top team: the Akron Aeros (65-44), 1-0, before a crowd 5,256.

The Akron Aeros out hit the Sea Dogs 7-5 and in the end one unearned run was the difference in the game.

Jason Urquidez made just his third career start and second consecutive for the Sea Dogs. He tied a career-high working five shutout innings allowing six hits and a walk while striking out four in a no decision.

Akron lefty Giovanni Soto (6-8) suffered the tough luck loss despite hurling seven outstanding innings scattering four hits. The 21-year old did not walk a batter and struck out five. He allowed one unearned run.

Jeremy Hazelbaker, 2-for-4, had a one out, bunt single in the bottom of the sixth off Soto. Hazelbaker advanced to second on a Marquez Smith single to left and came home to score the ballgame’s first run when second baseman Justin Toole committed a throwing error on a double play attempt off the bat of Bryce Brentz.

The Sea Dogs bullpen continued to be impressive. Chris Balcom-Miller and Brock Huntzinger each fired two shutout innings. The Portland bullpen has been scoreless in 99 of their last 121 innings.

Balcom-Miller (4-5) earned the win allowing one hit over two scoreless innings of relief. Balcom-Miller has been scoreless in five of his last seven outings.

Huntzinger was perfect over the final two frames to earn his fifth save.

Game two of the series will be tonight at 7 p.m. Maine native Mike MacDonald (1-1, 4.24) will start for the Sea Dogs. He will be opposed by Akron righty Paulo Espino (5- 2, 3.14).