Three-Run Conticello Blast Highlights 6-3 Reno Victory

RENO, Nev. – The Reno Aces put last week in the rearview mirror with a solid performance in their series opener with the El Paso Chihuahuas, using a four-run fourth to pull away for a 6-2 victory on Tuesday.

Highlighting the big inning for the Aces (18-16/50-59) was a three-run blast from Gavin Conticello, as his only hit of the night ensure that Reno would end their night with victory. That blast came immediately after the first run of the inning crossed on an error from a ball put in play by Christian Cerda.

The Chihuahuas (9-24/44-64) had been the team to break the scoreless tie thanks to a Mason McCoy single in the top of the second, scoring Bryce Johnson who had doubled to start the frame. Reno quickly knotted the game in the home half of the inning after Anderdson Rojas put himself on third with a triple and scored on an RBI groundout from LuJames Groover.

Just when El Paso had clawed a run back in the top of the sixth with a Marcos Castañon single, a mighty swing from Manuel Pena pushed the Aces back in front by four runs when he crushed his fifth homer of the season in solo fashion to straightaway center field. That helped counter one final tally from El Paso in the top of the ninth that brought the game to its 6-3 final.

Fans in attendance were treated to a stellar pitching performance on behalf of the Aces, one that saw six different Aces hurlers take the mound. First up was Michael Soroka as he started an injury rehab assignment today, making his first start and allowing one run on three hits with two walks and a strikeout.

Another Arizona Diamondback started a rehab assignment and made an appearance in the game as Blake Walston (1-0) worked a clean fifth frame to snatch the victory.

All seven hits in the game for the Aces came from different bats, but they scattered four extra-base hits thanks to the Rojas triple, a Demetrio Crisantes double, and homers from the duo of Pena and Conticello. Conticello was the only to finish with multiple RBI, while Groover, Pena and Cerda each recorded one.

Reno has taken the early 1-0 lead in the series and will look to continue the momentum in game two of the series from Greater Nevada Field at 6:35 p.m. PT.