Aces Release5/3/2012
RENO, Nev.—Rusty Ryal collected two hits in his return to Aces Ballpark, and Reno rallied for three runs in the eighth, but the Aces couldn't overcome an early deficit Thursday night, dropping a 5-4 decision to the Las Vegas 51s.
Las Vegas scored four in the first and took a 5-0 lead in the third. Though Reno kept the 51s offense silent after that, the Aces couldn't manage to dig out of the early hole, dropping the series three games to one.
Ryal, who began the season on the Disabled List, returned to the Aces lineup with two hits. Josh Bell and Ryan Wheeler stretched their respective hitting streaks to 10 games apiece.
Aces starter Charles Brewer (1-2) took the loss, surrendering five runs—yet just one earned run—on seven hits over four frames. After Brewer's exit, the Reno bullpen was dominant, holding the 51s hitless over the game's final five innings. Bryan Woodall worked three innings, before Joe Paterson and Sam Demel kept the heat on in the eighth and ninth frames, respectively.
The win went to Las Vegas reliever and former Aces closer Bobby Korecky (2-0), who worked two scoreless innings. Chad Beck, the sixth pitcher of the evening for the 51s, converted the save with a spotless ninth.
Reno now will open-up a four-game series at Aces Ballpark against the Tacoma Rainiers, Triple-A Affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. In Friday's opener, LHP Zach Kroenke (2-1, 4.50 ERA) gets the nod for the Aces, while the Rainiers will counter with RHP Forrest Snow (0-3, 7.30 ERA). First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m. PT
