FRESNO, Calif."Josh Whitesell had four hits and Rusty Ryal hit his first-career Triple-A home run, but the Fresno Grizzlies scored seven times over the first four innings to run away with a 10-5 victory over the Reno Aces in the series finale at Chukchansi Park.
Reno ran out to a quick 1-0 lead in the first inning, but the advantage didn't last long. The Grizzlies pushed across two runs in the second, three in the third and two more in the fourth to take a commanding 7-2 lead through four innings. The Aces offense fought back all night, scoring once in the fourth, fifth, sixth and ninth innings. The effort, though, fell short as Fresno took the series victory.
Whitesell finished 4-for-5 with two runs batted in, collecting his first four-hit game of the season. Whitesell was one of five Aces to have a multi-hit game on the evening. Ryal, who was inserted as part of a double switch in the eighth, came to the plate in the ninth and homered deep to left on a 2-1 offering by Felix Romero.
On the hill, starter LHP Travis Blackley (0-3) took the loss for Reno. Blackley surrendered five runs on seven hits over three innings of work, before being ejected in the top of the fourth inning after arguing balls and strikes. Out of the Aces bullpen, RHP Abe Woody allowed two runs on two hits over two innings of work, RHP Bobby Korecky surrendered a run over two innings and RHP Josh Ellis allowed two runs in the eighth.
For Fresno, reliever Patrick Misch (2-0) earned the victory. Misch entered the game in the sixth and proceeded to a scoreless 1.1 innings.
After an off day for the Pacific Coast League on Wednesday, the Aces return home for a four-game set against the Portland Beavers, Triple-A Affiliate of the San Diego Padres on Thursday. The homestand kicks-off with a Coors Light Thursday Night at Aces Ballpark. In the opener, RHP Tony Barnette (0-2, 8.47 ERA) takes the ball for Reno. The Beavers are set to counter with RHP Josh Banks (0-1, 3.00 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. PT.
For tickets, stop by the Aces Ballpark Box Office, call (775) 334-7000 or visit www.RenoAces.com.
