Brandon Watson fell just a home run short of his second cycle of the season, but Reno lost the lead in the ninth and went on to fall 12-10 to Colorado Springs Tuesday night at Aces Ballpark.
Reno jumped out to a 7-2 lead early, but couldn't hold on for the victory in the longest nine-inning game in Aces history (4:08). By the third inning, Watson already had a single, double and triple, and the Aces had a 7-4 advantage. However, Colorado Springs fought its way back to within two runs heading into the ninth. The Sky Sox exploded for four runs in the final frame to take the lead, and the Aces went quietly in their half of the inning, as Colorado Springs salvaged a series split.
Travis Blackley started for Reno, throwing three innings in a game that saw the Aces use six different pitchers. Scott Dohmann (0-1) took the loss for Reno after giving up all four ninth-inning runs.
Colorado Springs used four relievers after starter Alan Johnson started, getting a no-decision, while Matt Herges (2-1) picked up the win and Joel Peralta nailed down the ninth for his fourth save of the season.
Ruben Gotay went 2-for-4 with two RBIs, and Ed Rogers added a pair of RBIs as well for the Aces. The two teams combined for 20 walks, just six shy of the all-time Pacific Coast League record.
The Aces finish the homestand winning five-of-eight games. They head east Wednesday for an eight-game road trip to Omaha and Iowa. Wednesday's game against the Iowa Cubs at Principal Park will feature Reno's RHP Billy Buckner (6-3, 3.71 ERA) against Iowa's RHP Esmailin Caridad (5-10, 4.21 ERA). First pitch is slated for 5:05 PT, and can be heard live on Fox Sports Radio 1450 AM.
The Aces return home Friday, August 14, for an eight-game homestand. For tickets, stop by the Aces Ballpark Box Office, call (775) 334-7000 or visit www.RenoAces.com.
