Comeback Falls Short as Reno Splits Series
The Reno Aces defeated the Salt Lake Bees 4-3 Thursday night at Smith's Ballpark. The Bees starting pitching continued its hot streak since the All-Star break as Anthony Lerew pitched four and two-third innings allowing four hits and two runs. Lerew picked up three strikeouts which took his total to 34 for the season. The Bees starting pitching have a 2.47 combined ERA since the All-Star break.
"Our guys are battling their tails off. Our bullpen has done a great job as of late, as has our starting rotation," said Manager Keith Johnson. "Overall there is some disappointment because we would like to win the series, but we didn't beat ourselves tonight."
Reno got off to a fast start scoring two runs in the first inning when Garrett Weber hit a home run to right field. Andy Marte crossed the plate later in the inning off of a Jordan Pacheco single to center field. The Bees equalized in the bottom of the inning when Tony Campana and Brennan Boesch rounded the bases. The Bees took the lead in the fifth inning when Roberto Lopez scored on Luis Jimenez's sacrifice fly. The Aces would score the tying and go-ahead run in the seventh inning when Andy Marte hit a ground rule double with the bases loaded. The loss goes to Ryan Chaffee (1-2) who allowed two runs and one hit in one and two-third innings. Jess Todd (5-2) is handed the victory.
The Bees return to Smith's Ballpark on July 29 to take on the Tacoma Rainiers. Tickets and additional information can be found at Smith's Ballpark box office.