Late Homer Denies Aces a Series Victory

RENO, Nev. – Three outs away from a Sunday and series victory, the Reno Aces saw their lead disappear after a ninth inning homer that swung the game to a 9-7 decision in favor of the Sacramento River Cats in their set finale.

For nearly all game the Aces (26-30/58-73) had battled from ahead, staking an early 1-0 lead in the second thanks to a Santiago Espinal double that scored Tyler Locklear, who was hit by a pitch to start the frame. The River Cats (32-25/74-55) were able to respond in the third, turning a Scott Ban dura double into a run on sacrifice fly from Bo Davidson.

Again the two sides traded runs in the next set of swings, but the Aces took control with a three-spot in the third built on a trio of RBI singles from LuJames Groover, Pavin Smith, and A.J. Vukovich. However, a two-out two-RBI double from Zach Morgan brought Sacramento back within one.

Two batters into the fifth and the Aces built their lead back to three runs, as Smith walked directly in front of Tyler Locklear’s ninth homer of the season.

Back-to-back doubles from Sacramento in the seventh, including the first from Davidson, yet again brought Sacramento back within one. Just as before, the Aces seemingly added insurance when a Vukovich double in the home half of the frame scored Gavin Conticello.

Then came the toughest inning of the day for Reno, who saw the River Cats take the lead just three batters into the ninth when Davidson launched a three-run homer to right field.

For a second straight day the Aces had a rehab appearance start on the mound as Zac Gallen appeared for the first time this season and allowed only a single hit and two walks with two strikeouts in 1.2 innings.

The blown save and loss were charged to Drey Jameson (1-2), who did not record an out while facing six batters and allowing four runs on three hits with three walks.

For a second straight day, Conticello finished his game with four hits by going 4-for-5 with a run scored and double. Four others had multi-hit games including a 3-for-5 day with a double from Vukovich, while Groover was 2-for-5 with a double and run scored.

Now having finished with a series split, the Aces will hit the road to take on the Sugar Land Space Cowboys for a six-game set beginning on Tuesday.