PORTLAND – Stolmy Pimentel ended his bounce-back season in a most promising way Saturday night, throwing a one-hit shutout over six innings in a 6-1 victory for the Portland Sea Dogs against the Reading Phillies before 6,242 at Hadlock Field.

Zach Gentile’s two-out, three-run double highlighted a four-run fourth inning.

Gentile and Ronald Bermudez both had three hits and three RBI.

That was plenty for Pimentel (6-7), who continues to reward the faith the Red Sox have in him after placing Pimentel on the 40-man roster two years ago.

Last season, Pimentel struggled in Portland (0-9) and was sent back to Class A. But this year he’s been solid, and dominant at times — like Saturday.

“That was icing on the cake. He had quality stuff. Fun to watch,” Sea Dogs Manager Kevin Boles said.

“He’s had a solid year. He’s rebounded.”

One downside to Saturday night was Jackie Bradley Jr. reaggravating his sprained ankle while checking a swing in the third inning. He’s doubtful the last two games, today and Monday.

Bermudez replaced Bradley as the designated hitter and went 3 for 3.

The Sea Dogs improved to 68-71 while Reading (74-66) is still trying to clinch an Eastern League postseason berth.

Pimentel shut down the Phillies, striking out six and walking two.

Miguel Abreu’s line single to center in the third inning was their only hit.

“Good command tonight with the fastball, slider and change-up,” said Pimentel, whose fastball was up to 96 mph.

“It felt good. Just have to keep working and prepare for next year.”

Caleb Clay got his ninth save with three innings’ work, allowing one run on three hits, striking out five.

Reading starter Trevor May (10-13), Philadelphia’s No. 1 prospect according to Baseball America, got into trouble in the fourth. He allowed a Travis Shaw single and, after two outs, walked a pair to load the bases.

Gentile sliced an opposite-field double down the left-field line for a 3-0 lead. Bermudez singled him in.

Bermudez also had RBI singles in the sixth and eighth innings.

Both Xander Bogaerts and Peter Hissey had two hits. Bogaerts, called up three weeks ago, is batting .329.

NOTES: Pitcher Allen Webster, obtained in the landmark nine-player Red Sox trade with the Dodgers last week, makes his Hadlock Field debut today. Webster is facing Reading right-hander Ethan Martin, his former teammate this year with the Double-A Chattanooga Lookouts. Martin was traded to the Phillies on July 31 in the Shane Victorino deal. … Former Sea Dogs catcher Dan Butler hit two solo home runs Saturday in Pawtucket’s 2-0 win over Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, clinching a playoff spot for the PawSox. Former Portland closer Josh Fields got the save. Former Sea Dogs manager Arnie Beyeler is the Pawtucket skipper. … Today’s scheduled 1 p.m. game at Hadlock will begin after the annual Field of Dreams celebration.

Staff Writer Kevin Thomas can be reached at 791-6411 or:

kthomas@pressherald.com

Twitter: ClearTheBases