Isotopes Fall to Aces in Howard's Solid Outing

Sam Howard allowed just two runs in 6.0 innings on the mound Saturday night, but the Isotopes (63-75) were unable to overtake the Aces (70-68) as Reno came away with a 4-2 win at Greater Nevada Field.

The two runs Howard surrendered both occurred in the opening frame, but he bounced back by shutting out the Aces the next five innings. The lefty ended his night yielding four hits, no walks and struck out four batters. The quality start was Howard's fourth of the year.
The Aces other two runs came in the eighth inning off reliever Carlos Estévez.
Albuquerque scored its first run of the night in the fifth inning when Daniel Castro and Jan Vázquez hit back-to-back doubles. The Isotopes plated one run in the top of the ninth, but were unable to complete the rally.
Albuquerque plays its penultimate contest of 2018 on Sunday evening in Reno. Peter Lambert will take the hill for the Isotopes as he goes for his second-straight quality start. First pitch from Greater Nevada Field is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.