Baseball: Cubs beat Aces on walk-off hit

DES MOINES, Iowa- Iowa strung together three-straight singles with two outs and nobody on in the ninth inning Wednesday night, unlocking a 2-2 tie and walking-off with a 3-2 series-opening victory over Reno at Principal Park.

With the ballgame knotted at two, Reno's Reid Mahon came on in relief and retired the first two batters of the inning in order. But with the Aces one out away from forcing extra innings, Nate Spears and Matt Camp hit consecutive singles to bring So Taguchi to the plate. Taguchi promptly singled to left, chasing home Spears with the game-winning run.

Mahon (1-2) took the loss for Reno after allowing the game-winner in the ninth. Starter Billy Buckner took a no decision, allowing just two runs on five hits over seven innings of work. Buckner struck out eight and walked four. Out of the Reno bullpen, Scott Maine tossed a scoreless eighth, despite walking two.

The win went to I-Cubs reliever Blake Parker (2-1), who kept Reno hitless over the game's final two frames. Iowa starter Esmailin Caridad took a no decision, striking out 12 batters over six innings. Caridad surrendered two runs on three hits.

At the plate for Reno Wednesday night, Ruben Gotay hit his eighth home run of the season in the second inning. Brandon Allen added a two-out RBI single in the third.

The series will continue on Thursday night from Principal Park. RHP Tony Barnette (9-7, 6.41 ERA) gets the nod for Reno, while Iowa will counter with LHP James Russell (2-0, 4.15 ERA). First pitch is set for 5:05 p.m. PT and the action 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.