Baseball: Aces squeak past Sky Sox

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.- John Hester blasted a three-run homer in the fifth inning Monday night, lifting the Reno Aces past Colorado Springs, 5-4, at Security Service Field.

With the game knotted a 2-2 in the fifth, Chris Young hit a one-out double to start the Reno rally. After Ruben Gotay reached on a fielding error, Hester launched his ninth home run of the season, an opposite field shot off Sky Sox starter Brandon Hynick. Although Colorado Springs would answer with two runs in the bottom of the fifth, two Aces relievers pitched three innings of scoreless relief to preserve the victory for Reno.

Aces starter Hector Ambriz (7-9) threw six strong innings, allowing only two earned runs while scattering nine hits. Reid Mahon threw two perfect innings to set-up Scott Dohmann for the save, his fourth of the season.

Brandon Hynick (10-8) suffered the loss for Colorado Springs, giving up all five Reno runs.

In addition to Hester's three-RBI night, Ed Rogers and Abraham Nunez each had a 2-for-4 night at the plate for the Aces.

The series continues on Tuesday night from Security Service Field. The Aces send RHP Cesar Valdez (6-5, 4.60 ERA) to the mound, while the Sky Sox counter with RHP Alan Johnson (10-6, 5.47 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' final homestand begins August 31 at Aces Ballpark. For tickets, stop by the Aces Ballpark Box Office, call (775) 334-7000 or visit www.RenoAces.com.