Paul Bittner scored his second goal of the game with 8 minutes, 25 seconds remaining to help the Portland Winterhawks to a 4-3 victory over the Tri-City Americans on Saturday afternoon at Memorial Coliseum.

It was the second day in a row Tri-City (20-14-1-2, 43 points) dropped a 4-3 decision to U.S. Division-leading Portland, which has the best record in the WHL at 31-5-1-0 (63 points).

Connor Rankin had two goals for the Americans, who also got a goal from Brian Williams and two assists from Parker Bowles.

Luke Lee-Knight, making his third start this season for Tri-City, finished with 26 saves.

Nic Petan and Brendan Leipsic each had a goal and an assist for Portland, while Mac Carruth had 29 saves in picking up his 17th win.

The Americans host Spokane on Monday in their 24th annual New Year’s Eve game.