COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo."Reno scored two runs in the third and two more in the fourth to take slim lead, but a six-run seventh inning for Colorado Springs lifted the Sky Sox to a 10-4 victory over the Aces in the series finale Thursday afternoon at Security Service Field.
The Sky Sox sent 10 men to the plate in the fateful seventh inning, scoring six times and taking a comfortable lead. Reno loaded the bases in the eighth and ninth innings, but couldn't manage to score.
Reno starter Seth Etherton surrendered three runs on six hits over four innings of work. Etherton walked one and struck out one. Over the next two frames, Abe Woody allowed a run on two hits, as the right-hander left the game with the score tied 4-4.
In the seventh, though, the Colorado Springs offense jumped all over Aces reliever Josh Ellis, to the tune of six runs on six hits. Ellis (0-1) was pinned with the loss, exiting before recording an out in the seventh. Jose Marte relieved Ellis and worked two hitless innings.
Sky Sox starter Josh Fogg lasted four frames, allowing three runs on four hits. Fogg walked four and punched out two. Three Colorado Springs relievers combined to shutout Reno over the game's final five innings. The victory went to Damian Moss (1-0), who pitched 1.2 scoreless innings.
At the plate, Reno's Josh Wilson led the offensive attack with two hits and two runs scored. Josh Whitesell and Agustin Murillo each had two hits apiece, as well.
The Aces now head back to Reno for the much-anticipated inaugural homestand at Aces Ballpark, beginning with a four-game set against the Salt Lake City Bees, Triple-A Affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. In Friday's home opener, Reno will hand the ball to LHP Travis Blackley (0-1, 7.20 ERA). The Bees are set to counter with RHP Mike MacDonald (0-0, 3.60 ERA). First pitch is set for 6:05 p.m. PT and can be heard live on Fox Sports Radio 1450 and Cub Country 94.5.
