Aces Release
6/21/2016
The Reno Aces saw their four-game winning streak come to an end in a 6-3 loss to the Las Vegas 51s on Tuesday night at Greater Nevada Field. The 51s plated four runs in the top of the sixth off Aces starter Kyle Drabek (@kyledrabek4) and utilized six different pitchers en route to a series-opening victory.
Drabek sailed through the first five frames, allowing just one unearned run on two hits while striking out six batters. Things unraveled for the right-hander in the sixth, however, as five straight batters reached to knock him out of the game.
A single by Dilson Herrera and walk to Brandon Nimmo set up a run-scoring single by Eric Campbell, bringing Reno’s in-state rivals within a run at 3-2. After another walk loaded the bases, Travis Taijeron laced a 2-2 pitch down the left-field line for a bases-clearing double, giving the visitors a 5-3 lead.
Las Vegas (38-33) added an insurance run off Evan Marshall (@emarsh31) in the eighth for the final margin.
The Aces (39-32) overcame an early 1-0 deficit with two runs of their own in the second. Zach Borenstein opened the inning with a walk and hustled home from first on an RBI triple by Ed Lucas (@ELuke21), tying the game at one. Tuffy Gosewisch @santiagosewisch) then gave the Aces a 2-1 lead on a groundout to first base.
Reno extended their advantage to 3-1 in the fifth behind a hit by pitch, groundout, passed ball and wild pitch.
The Aces brought the tying run to the plate in the eighth and ninth innings, but Sean Jamieson (@SeanJay04) and Borenstein grounded out and flew out to erase the threats.
Drabek (3-6) was tagged with the loss after yielding five runs – four earned – on five hits over five innings. He walked three and matched a season high with six punchouts. Chasen Bradford improved to 4-1 with two shutout innings in relief, and Paul Sewald escaped the ninth for his eighth save.
The Aces stranded 11 runners on base and finished 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position.
Aces manager Phil Nevin was tossed in the ninth inning after arguing a check-swing strike three call on Mike Freeman (@MikeBFree5). The ejection was his fourth of the season.
The Aces and 51s continue their four-game series with game two on Wednesday at Greater Nevada Field. First pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m. PT. Right-hander Braden Shipley (6-3, 3.09) gets the nod for Reno, while Las Vegas will counter with southpaw Duane Below (4-5, 4.11).
