SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
FRESNO, Calif.—Reno hit three homers in the early-going before exploding for five runs in the fifth inning Friday night en route to a 9-6 victory over the Fresno Grizzlies in the series opener at Chukchansi Park.
Jeff Bailey gave Reno a quick lead with a first-inning home run, Cole Gillespie unlocked a 1-1 tie with a two-run homer in the third, and Carlos Corporan’s solo blast in the fourth erased a 3-3 stalemate. In the fifth, though, the Aces would take advantage for good. Three hits, three walks and a Fresno error helped push five runs across for Reno, who took a 9-3 lead and never looked back.
The win went to Aces starter Kevin Mulvey (2-5), who scattered four runs on seven hits over five innings of work. Mulvey walked four and struck out three. Jason Urquidez came on in the eighth and recorded the final four outs for Reno to pick-up the save, his third of the season.
Friday night’s loss fell to Fresno starter Erick Hacker (8-4), who surrendered nine runs—six earned—on six hits over 4.2 innings of work. Hacker walked four and punched out two. Three Grizzlies relievers kept the Aces off the scoreboard after that.
The win for Reno snaps a five-game losing skid and marks the Aces’ first victory of the current road trip.
The series continues on Saturday night from Chukchansi Park. RHP Cesar Valdez ( 1-1, 3.80) gets the start for Reno, making his first appearance for the Aces since being optioned back to Triple-A by the Diamondbacks. Fresno will counter with RHP Henry Sosa (4-1, 3.05 ERA). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. PT, and the action can be heard live on Fox Sports Radio 1450 AM or online at www.RenoAces.com.
The Aces return home on June 22 for a four-game set with 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 RenoAces.com. The brand-new Freight House District, located just outside Aces Ballpark, is open seven days a week, on both game days and non-game days.
