Burnes Makes Return, Offense Scores Double-Digits in Aces’ Third Straight Win

RENO, Nev. – The offense put up double-digit runs to back a dominant pitching performance as the Aces cruised to a 12-2 victory over Sacramento on Saturday night.

The Aces (25-29/57-72) dominated from the start plating four runs in the second, two in the third, five in the fifth and one more in the sixth. All the offense backed a perfect two innings of rehab from Corbin Burnes, who went six-up, six-down in his first official start back in affiliated ball after undergoing elbow surgery last season.

Reno’s scoring started with an RBI single from Demetrio Crisantes. Two batters later, Gavin Conticello plated the second run with an RBI double and was immediately followed by a two-RBI single from Anderdson Rojas.

Pavin Smith tacked on another run in the third with his fifth home run of the season, a 101-mph shot to right field.

After a scoreless fourth, Conticello plated another run in the fifth followed by an Adrian Del Castillo grand slam extending the lead to 11-0. The slam is the Aces’ fifth of the season, and Del Castillo’s second.

Following Burnes’ clean two innings of work, Tommy Henry (5-7) worked five scoreless frames to earn the victory. The southpaw struck out four while allowing just two hits.

Conticello notched his third RBI of the night in the sixth to wrap up a four-hit effort, the first of his Triple-A career. Crisantes joined him atop the BLC-Nine offense with a 3-for-5 night and three runs scored.

With a 3-2 advantage, the Aces will look to secure the series victory tomorrow afternoon. First pitch from Greater Nevada Field will be at 1:05 p.m. PT.