River Cats Clip Aces, 8-3
The River Cats posted three runs in the third and never trailed, handing Reno just its fifth series-opening loss of the season. Sacramento's Kevin Kouzmanoff-who played collegiately at the University of Nevada-hit a three-run homer in the third and drove in five runs on the day.
Aces starter Gaby Hernandez (2-1) was pinned with the loss, surrendering five runs on three hits with six walks over five innings of work. At the plate for Reno, Brandon Allen collected a pair of doubles and drove in two. Cody Ransom homered for the second-straight night, his 20th of the season.
The win went to Sacramento reliever Lenny DiNardo (2-4), who held the Aces scoreless over three innings of work. Neil Wagner recorded the game's final four outs to earn his first save. Starter Rich Harden-pitching on a Major League Rehabilitation Assignment from Oakland-surrendered three runs on three hits with six strikeouts over 4.2 innings.
The Aces and River Cats will lock horns again on Sunday afternoon at Raley Field. RHP Barry Enright (6-2, 4.13 ERA) gets the nod for Reno, looking for his sixth-straight win. Sacramento will counter with RHP Travis Banwart (4-4, 4.66 ERA). First pitch is set for 1:05 p.m., and all the action can be heard live in Northern Nevada on Fox Sports Radio 630 AM or online at RenoAces.com.
Reno returns home on Thursday, June 30, for a four-game series against the Salt Lake Bees. Tickets can be purchased at the Aces Ballpark Box Office, online at www.RenoAces.com or by phone at (775) 334-7000. A variety of partial season ticket plans as well as prorated full-season tickets are available today.