SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASES
Matt Torra pitched eight strong innings, keeping the Aces close and propelling Reno to its third-straight win, 6-3, over Las Vegas on Tuesday at Aces Ballpark.
The Aces trailed late for the second time in as many days, this time 3-1 in the seventh. Reno mounted its comeback with a three-run seventh, thanks in large part to four walks and timely hitting. Cyle Hankerd, Mark Hallberg and Pedro Ciriaco all contributed RBIs in the inning, which gave Reno a 4-3 lead it would not relinquish. The Aces tacked on two insurance runs in the eighth on a two-run single by Hankerd, putting the game out of reach and giving Reno an early 2-0 lead in the second annual Silver State Diamond Challenge.
But the story of the game was Torra (1-1), who tossed eight solid innings, scattering 10 hits and allowing just three runs. Making his fourth Triple-A start of the season, Torra threw 69 of his 93 pitches for strikes before giving the ball to T.J. Beam, who pitched another perfect ninth inning to earn his second save in as many games and fourth of the season.
Robert Ray took a no-decision for the 51s, hurling six frames and allowing three earned runs. Merkin Valdez (0-1) was tagged with the loss after allowing two runners to reach base and failing to record an out in the seventh.
Reno picked up the win despite being out-hit 10-6 by Las Vegas. Hankerd chipped in a hit and three RBIs, while Chris Rahl continued his hot hitting by going 2-for-4 for the Aces.
Reno and Las Vegas continue the 2010 SSDC Wednesday night, with Reno RHP Josh Collmenter (1-0, 0.00 ERA), the reigning PCL Pitcher of the Week, set to face 51s LHP Brad Mills (2-2, 3.03 ERA). First pitch is set for 6:05 p.m. PT.
Wednesday’s game will feature the inaugural Corona Cinco de Mayo Celebration presented by Wild 102.9, where 1,250 fans who purchase a Corona will receive a limited edition Aces sombrero.
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 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.
