Aces Release4/19/2012
FRESNO, Calif.—Randy Ruiz homered twice and drove in seven runs for Reno Thursday night, but an eight-run Fresno seventh inning lifted the Grizzlies to a 10-8 victory over the Aces at Chukchansi Park.
Reno trailed 2-0 early, but roared back in the fifth. An inning that was extended by a Grizzlies error was capped by a grand slam to right field by Ruiz, giving the Aces a 5-2 advantage.
In the seventh, though, the Grizzlies sent 12 men to the plate, collecting nine hits and pushing across eight runs to take a commanding 10-5 advantage. That margin would stand until the ninth, when Ruiz homered again—this time a three-run shot to dead-center—cutting the deficit to two. That would be, though, as close as the Aces would get.
Tom Layne started for the Aces and took a no decision, surrendering five runs on four hits over six innings of work. The loss fell to Bryan Woodall (0-1), who allowed three runs on three hits in the seventh. After Woodall's exit, Jason Lane came on and allowed two runs in 1.2 innings with two strikeouts.
The win went to Fresno reliever Wilmin Rodriguez (1-0), who worked 2.1 scoreless frames in relief of starter Yusmeiro Petit.
At the dish for the Aces, Ruiz led the way with two hits, two runs scored and seven RBIs. Jake Elmore enjoyed his second-straight three-hit effort, and Layne helped his own cause with a double and a single.
The series will come to a close on Friday night, as the Aces look for a series split. RHP Barry Enright (1-1, 1.93 ERA) gets the nod for Reno, while former Ace LHP Travis Blackley (1-0, 0.96 ERA) counters for the Grizzlies. First pitch from Chukchansi Park is set for 7:05 p.m. PT, and all the action can be heard live on Fox Sports 630 AM or RenoAces.com.
Reno returns home to Aces Ballpark on Saturday, April 21 to kick-off a four-game series. Tickets are on-sale now at RenoAces.com, by calling (775) 334-7000 or by visiting the Aces Ballpark Ticket Office.
