Baseball: Aces fall to Grizzlies

FRESNO, Calif."Reno fell behind by two runs in the first and never was able to recover, falling by a 6-0 count to the Fresno Grizzlies Monday night at Chukchansi Park.

Fresno scored twice in the first, third and fifth innings to roll to the victory. Monday's game marked the first time the Aces had been shutout in the 2009 season.

Aces starter Billy Buckner (0-1) took the loss in his first start of 2009. Buckner worked four innings, allowing four runs on three hits. He walked two and struck out two more. Out of the bullpen, Billy Spottiswood made his Triple-A debut, surrendering two runs on two hits over two innings pitched. After Spottiswood's exit, Jon Coutlangus came on for Reno to deliver two shutout frames, scattering five hits.

For the Grizzlies, Billy Sadler (1-0) picked up his first victory, scattering three hits over five innings of work. Sadler walked four and punched out five. Three Fresno relievers came on to combine for two hits allowed and two strikeouts over the game's final four innings.

Batting out of the lead-off spot, Trent Oeltjen led the way for the Reno offense with two hits. Luke Carlin, Ruben Gotay, and Guillermo Reyes each chipped in a single for the Aces.

The Aces look to salvage a series split in the finale on Tuesday night. LHP Travis Blackley (0-2, 7.11 ERA) gets the nod for Reno, while the Grizzlies will counter with RHP Ryan Sadowski (1-1, 3.12 ERA). First pitch from Chukchansi Park is again set for 7:05 p.m. PT and can be heard live on Fox Sports Radio 1450 AM.

Reno will return to Aces Ballpark on Thursday, April 30 to kick-off a four-game homestand against the Portland Beavers, Triple-A Affiliate of the San Diego Padres. For tickets, stop by the Aces Ballpark Box Office or call (775) 334-700. Visit RenoAces.com for updated news.