Buckner lifts Aces past Tacoma, 3-1

Billy Buckner allowed a first-inning Tacoma run and dealt zeros after that, pushing the Reno Aces to a 3-1 victory over the Rainiers in the series finale Sunday afternoon at Cheney Stadium.

Buckner (2-1) scattered five hits and just one run with eight strikeouts over 7.0 innings pitched to record his third-straight quality start and second-straight victory. Jordan Norberto finished-up the proceedings for the Aces, holding Tacoma scoreless over the final two frames to pick-up his first-career Triple-A save.

Both teams traded runs in the first, but the bats would go quiet after that for most of the afternoon. In the eighth, Reno finally came to life. Back-to-back singles, a sacrifice bunt and an intentional walk set the stage for Jeff Bailey, who delivered a clutch two-run double to left, putting the Aces on top for good, 3-1.

The loss fell to Andrew Baldwin (1-1), who surrendered Bailey’s go-ahead double in the eighth.

At the dish for Reno, Doug Deeds led the way with three hits and a run scored. Jeff Bailey had a hit and two RBIs, and Ryan Roberts added an RBI double for the Aces.

The victory for Reno forces a series split. Reno has now split five of its first six series of the 2010 season.

The Aces now head back to Reno for the resumption of the ever-popular Silver State Diamond Challenge against the Las Vegas 51s. Monday’s opener is set for a 6:05 p.m. first pitch. Reno’s starter is to be determined, while Las Vegas is set to send LHP Zach Jackson (1-1, 3.60 ERA) to the hill.

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. The brand-new Freight House District, located just outside Aces Ballpark, is open seven days a week, on both gamedays and non-gamedays.