Aces Split Series with River Cats

For Immediate Release
April 23, 2013

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif.-LHP Tyler Skaggs dealt his second-straight quality start, as the Reno Aces claimed a 6-2 victory over the Sacramento River Cats in the series finale on Tuesday afternoon at Raley Field.

Reno jumped on the board in the top of the first for the third time in the series, off an RBI single by Kila Ka'aihue. The Aces added two more runs in the third, and carried a 3-0 lead through the middle innings.

Skaggs, ranked the D-backs No. 1 Prospect by Baseball America, gave up only two hits through the first six innings, until he got caught in a jam in the seventh. Reliever Evan Marshall came in with the bases loaded and one out in the frame. He allowed two-of-three inherited runners to score, one off an RBI single and the other walked in, to bring the River Cats within one, down 3-2.

Ka'aihue's bat again came to his team's aid, as he blasted a two-run homer to right field in the top of the eighth. Later in the inning, Brad Snyder stole home as part of a double steal, to extend the Aces lead to 6-2.

Snyder, who collected just one hit in the first three games of the series, went 4-for-4 on the afternoon with an RBI and a run scored. Ka'aihue also registered a multi-hit game, going 3-for-4 with three RBI and two runs scored.

Aces infielder Chris Owings, who entered the game tied for first in the PCL in hits with 29, added two more hits to his total, and also scored three runs.

Skaggs earned his second win of the season. He gave up two runs on two hits through 6.1 innings, while walking four and striking out five. Marshall was credited with a hold. LHP Eury De La Rosa and RHP Will Harris each threw a hitless inning of relief to close the game.

LHP Justin Thomas was charged with his second loss of the season, despite also delivering a quality start. Thomas gave up two runs-three earned-on six hits through 7.0 innings, and struck out six.

Following an off day Wednesday, the Aces will return home for an eight game homestand, beginning with the Fresno Grizzlies. RHP Nelson Figueroa (0-2, 9.42 ERA) will get the nod for Reno, while Fresno will counter with RHP Yusmeiro Petit (1-2, 6.23 ERA). First pitch Thursday is set for 6:35 p.m.

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