Valdez, Allen Lead Aces Past Bees, 5-3
Valdez was masterful, holding the Bees to two hits and no runs over five innings, and the Aces helped his cause by scoring in each of the first four innings. Allen got the Aces on the board with an RBI double in the first before adding his ninth home run of the season in the third to extend the lead to 3-0. The Aces would add one more in the third, and Doug Deeds made it 5-0 with an RBI single in the fourth. The Bees would claw back, but the Aces bullpen held on, helping the Aces avoid a series sweep.
Valdez (2-3) earned the win in his strongest outing since being optioned by the D-backs on June 17, striking out six and walking just two. Jordan Norberto earned his fourth save, striking out four in two perfect innings of relief.
Tommy Mendoza (0-2) suffered the loss for the Bees, giving up all five Reno runs in four innings.
Allen finished 2-for-4 with a double, a home run and two RBIs for Reno, while Deeds continued to light up Bees pitching with a three-hit night. Pedro Ciriaco and Carlos Corporan added two hits apiece for the Aces. The Aces will enjoy a day off Wednesday before heading to Las Vegas to open a three-game set against the 51s Thursday evening. Reno will send RHP Matt Torra (4-5, 3.96 ERA) to the mound against Las Vegas RHP Lance Broadway (2-7, 6.83 ERA). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. PT from Cashman Field, and all the action can be heard live in Reno on Fox Sports Radio 1450 AM or online at RenoAces.com.
Reno returns home Sunday, July 4, at 6:35 p.m. for a sold-out Fourth of July game against Sacramento. Tickets for Monday through Wednesday's games are still available by calling the Reno Aces box office at (775) 334-7000 or by visiting RenoAces.com. The brand-new Freight House District, located just outside Aces Ballpark, is open seven days a week, on both game days and non-game days.