Reno, Nev.- Brandon Allen extended his hitting streak to 14 games with a 4-for-4 night, but Reno fell 9-1 to Tacoma Thursday, snapping an 11-game winning streak versus the visiting Rainiers.
The game was a pitcher's duel until the eighth inning, with the Rainiers holding a slim 2-0 lead going into the top half of the frame. After Tacoma scored two in the top of the eighth to take a 4-0 lead, Reno mounted a rally. After a Rusty Ryal double, Allen drove him in with his fourth hit of the evening, a line-drive single to right-center field. Reno got the tying run to the plate, but Rainiers closer Randy Messenger induced an inning-ending double play to thwart Reno's threat.
Travis Blackley (2-6) was tagged with the hard-luck loss after allowing only two runs in five innings of work. Blackley struck out seven while walking only two in a spot start.
Tacoma starter Chris Seddon (7-5) silenced the Reno bats for six scoreless frames. Messenger got the final five outs for his 21st save of the year.
Allen's four-hit night highlighted the Aces offensively, with Ryal, Ed Rogers and Cole Gillespie all adding a hit for Reno.
The final game of this four-game set will be Friday evening. Reno sends RHP Billy Buckner (5-3, 4.27 ERA) to the mound against Tacoma RHP Andy Baldwin (5-7, 4.94 ERA). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.
Prior to Friday night's ballgame, the Aces will host the Principal Financial Group Family Fun Fest, which is a free celebration of baseball that is traveling throughout Minor League ballparks. The fun begins at 4 p.m. PT in the plaza outside Aces Ballpark. Among the attractions planned are a Minor League Baseball museum, state-of-the-art Best Buy Mobile Video Game Arcade, free personalized baseball cards, free personalized Sports Illustrated for Kids magazine covers, batting and pitching cages, bounce houses, slides, bungee runs and more.
For tickets, stop by the Aces Ballpark Box Office, call (775) 334-7000 or visit www.RenoAces.com.
