SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
LAS VEGAS, Nev.-Reno unlocked a 2-2 tie with runs in the eighth and ninth innings Thursday night, defeating the Las Vegas 51s, 4-2, at Cashman Field to clinch the 2010 Silver State Diamond Challenge.
The Aces trailed 2-1 in the sixth before a Tony Abreu RBI single tied the score at two. The game would stay that way until the eighth, when Brandon Allen hit a two-out, run-scoring single to give the Aces a 3-2 advantage. Reno tacked on an insurance run in the next frame, and Carlos Rosa closed out the proceedings with a scoreless ninth to give the Aces their first-ever Silver State Diamond Challenge crown.
Aces starter Zach Kroenke worked five innings, scattering two runs on four hits in a no decision. The win went to Mike Hampton (1-0), who threw a scoreless seventh inning in just his second appearance with Reno. Rosa’s save was his 11th of the year.
The loss fell to 51s reliever Josh Roenicke (8-1), who surrendered two runs over three innings of work.
At the dish for Reno, Drew Macias got the Aces on the board in the third with a solo home run. Abreu and Yunesky Sanchez chipped in two hits apiece for Reno.
The series continues on Friday night at Cashman Field. RHP Cesar Valdez (4-9, 6.01 ERA) takes the ball for Reno. He’ll match-up with 51s LHP Brad Mills (8-5, 4.72 ERA). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. PT.
The Aces return home for the final homestand of the 2010 season on Monday, Aug. 30 as the club celebrates Fan Appreciation Week at Aces Ballpark. Tickets are available by calling the Reno Aces box office at (775) 334-7000 or by visiting RenoAces.com<http://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.
