Sky Sox spring past Aces in series opener

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO. - The Reno Aces (@Aces) recorded just seven hits offensively as the Colorado Springs Sky Sox scored a series-opening 7-1 win Saturday night at Security Service Field.

Already-wet field conditions worsened when heavy rains delayed the game in the top of the fourth inning. The 1-hour, 31-minute delay ended both starters' nights early, and the Sky Sox bullpen outdueled Reno's over the final six frames to secure the win.

Aces starter A.J. Schugel (@Schug_Knight) (1-6) suffered the tough-luck loss after yielding one run over three innings. Michael Reed tripled with one out in the second inning and scored on a sacrifice fly by Juan Centeno. Schugel fanned four and walked none.

Right-hander Blayne Weller was called upon after the lengthy delay, and he struggled in his first of three innings. In the home half of the fourth, the recently-promoted Weller yielded four runs - two earned - on four hits, one walk and an error.

Luis Sardinas started the Sky Sox rally with a single to left and one out later, moved to second on a single by Matt Clark. Weller then uncorked a wild pitch, advancing both runners 90 feet before a walk loaded the bases for Centeno who delivered a two-run double to left.

With runners at second and third, Matt Dominguez hit a grounder to Danny Worth at short, but Worth's throw to the plate skipped past, allowing Reed to score. Yadiel Rivera then laced a run-scoring single to left to make it 5-0.

Colorado Springs (51-69) tacked on two runs in the seventh on an RBI double from Clark and later, a wild pitch thrown by reliever Kevin Vance (@SorryBoutIt10).

Reno (57-63) squandered golden scoring opportunities in the third and fourth innings. In the third, a walk, single and wild pitch put runners at second and third for Danny Dorn, but Sky Sox starter Ariel Pena struck out Dorn to escape. In the fourth, the Aces loaded the bases but pinch-hitter Gerald Laird (@laird_III) grounded into a fielder's choice.

Mike Strong evened his record at 1-1 after throwing 2 2/3 shutout innings.

Worth notched the only multi-hit game for the Aces, going 2-for-3 with a walk.

The Aces and Sky Sox play game two of their four-game set Sunday evening. The Aces will send right-hander Aaron Blair (5-1, 3.38) to the mound while the Sky Sox will start right-hander Zach Davies (1-0, 5.40). First pitch is set for 4:05 PST.

Group outings are on-sale now at www.RenoAces.com or by calling (775) 334-4700. For up-to-date news and notes throughout the season, follow the club on Twitter (@aces) or like the team on Facebook.