SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
FRESNO, Calif.—Bryan Augenstein gave Reno a quality start, and Pedro Ciriaco homered in his Aces debut, but the Fresno Grizzlies escaped with a 3-2 win over Reno in seven innings Wednesday at Chukchansi Park.
The Aces used a solo home run by Ciriaco in the sixth inning to pull within a run at 3-2, but rain showers halted the game for more than two hours. Ultimately, the game was called because of a wet playing surface, giving the Grizzlies a series-opening victory.
Augenstein (0-2) was pinned with the loss, despite allowing just three earned runs over six innings of work. He struck out four and walked just one. Josh Ellis tossed a scoreless seventh inning before the rain took control of the game.
Eric Hacker (3-0) earned the victory for Fresno, scattering a run on five hits with eight strikeouts over five innings. Geno Espineli is credited with a save after retiring the Aces in the seventh.
Ciriaco, playing in his Triple-A debut fresh off the Disabled List, homered, and Mark Hallberg collected two hits and a run scored.
The Aces and Grizzlies will play a doubleheader on Thursday, making-up for Tuesday night’s postponement. The clubs will play two seven-inning games. First pitch for game one at Chukchansi Park is set for 6:05 p.m. PT. The Aces will send RHP Billy Buckner to the mound in game one. Fresno will counter with RHP Joe Martinez. Game two starters for both teams are to be determined. The action can be heard live on Fox Sports Radio 1450 AM or online at www.RenoAces.com.
The Aces return home Saturday, April 24 for a four-game series against the Colorado Springs Sky Sox. Tickets for all Aces games start at just $7, and are available by calling the Reno Aces box office at (775) 334-7000 or by visiting www.RenoAces.com.
