Fresno swept by Reno in doubleheader

RENO, Nevada ­- The Fresno Grizzlies (44-32) were only able to drum up one run over two games of a doubleheader against the Reno Aces (35-41) on way to 8-0 and 2-1 losses Saturday at Aces Ballpark.

            The Grizzlies offense combined to go 0-6 with runners in scoring position over the doubleheader as they left eight runners on base. Alex Presley managed the only run of the night for Fresno with a solo homer (2) in the first inning of game two to hand Fresno a brief 1-0 lead.

            Game one saw the Triple-A debut for Mark Appel, who worked a scoreless first inning, but allowed four runs to cross in the second and three more in the third. Mike Freeman and Blake Lalli recorded doubles off the right-hander, while Garrett Weber tripled and Cody Ransom hit a three-run homer to bring a quick hook of the 23-year-old Stanford alum.

            Dan Straily attempted to keep the Grizzlies in position to draw a comeback win in game two, but the offense never was able to muster up the magic it found last night. The right-hander worked a complete-game, allowing two runs on five hits over 6.0 IP and striking out seven. He gave up a game-tying homer to Nick Evans in the first and then surrendered the go-ahead run in the fourth on an RBI double by Peter O'Brien.

            Fresno had a chance in the fifth when Robbie Grossman knocked a one-out single to center and advanced to second with two outs on a wild pitch, but Andrew Aplin grounded out to first to end the inning.

            Another opportunity came in the final inning when Matt Duffy drew a one-out walk and Grossman followed a batter later with a two-out free pass. With the tying and go-ahead runs aboard, Max Stassi grounded into a force out to end the game. 

            Fresno looks to rebound Sunday afternoon when they aim to even the series. They'll send right-hander Asher Wojciechowski to the mound, who is undefeated in nine starts this season. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 PM at Aces Ballpark.