Aces Drop First Game of Series to Cubs

For Immediate Release
May 11, 2013

RENO, Nev.-The Reno Aces were on the losing end of a pitchers' duel for the second-straight night on Saturday, in a 4-1 loss to the Iowa Cubs at Aces Ballpark.

Dave Sappelt's two-run home run off Reno starter Tyler Skaggs in the top of the second gave Iowa a lead they would not surrender. Reno took advantage of an errant pickoff attempt by Cubs starter Guillermo Moscoso to advance Taylor Harbin to third. Harbin was driven in by a subsequent RBI groundout by Tyler Kuhn.

The Cubs pushed across two insurance runs in the ninth off a two-RBI single by Brett Jackson off Reno reliever Evan Marshall.

At the dish for Reno, Harbin and Tuffy Gosewisch collected two hits apiece. Tony Campana went 0-for-4 to snap his team-best 11-game hitting streak.  

Skaggs threw his team-leading fourth quality start of the season, but was charged with the loss. The lefty gave up two earned runs on seven hits through 6.1 innings, while striking out seven. RHP Warner Madrigal pitched 1.2 innings of perfect relief, recording three strikeouts.

Moscoso also dealt a quality start, and picked up his second win of the season for the Cubs. He gave up just one unearned run on six hits through 7.0 innings, while striking out seven. Reliever Zach Putnam was credited with a hold, and Blake Parker earned his fifth save for throwing a perfect ninth to close the game.

The series continues Sunday afternoon at Aces Ballpark. RHP Randall Delgado (0-3, 8.80 ERA) will get the nod for Reno, while the Cubs will counter with LHP Chris Rusin (2-3, 3.79 ERA). First pitch is set for 1:05 p.m. PT, and it's another Renown Children's Hospital Family Funday featuring Baseball Bingo. Fans can also celebrate Mother's Day with Keep Calm and Mommy On, or participate in Bike to the Ballpark Day.

Tickets are on sale for Sunday's game, and all Aces home games, at RenoAces.com, by calling (775) 334-7000 or by visiting the Aces Ballpark Ticket Office.