Baseball: Aces win on Roberson's 11th inning heroics

Reno, Nev.- Chris Roberson's walk-off three-run home run propelled the Reno Aces to an 11-inning, 6-4 victory over Salt Lake Friday night in front of 7,132 fans at Aces Ballpark.

With the game tied at two in the 11th, Salt Lake scored two runs to take a 4-2 lead. In the bottom half of the frame, Ed Rogers and Alex Romero had back-to-back base hits, followed by a John Hester RBI groundout. After Tony Clark walked, Roberson belted a slider into the right-field berm off Bees closer Jeremy Hill to end the game.

Aces starter Seth Etherton settled for a no-decision, allowing only two earned runs and striking out four in six innings of work. Jason Urquidez and Leo Rosales combined for four shutout innings of relief. Jose Marte (2-1) earned the win, despite allowing two runs in the top of the 11th.

Hester and Roberson each contributed two hits for the Aces, who drew a season-high 14 walks off four Bees pitchers.

Hill (1-2), who came into Friday's game second in the PCL in saves with 13, took the loss for Salt Lake, surrendering four earned runs in two innings of work.

Saturday, Reno and Salt Lake square off again at Aces Ballpark in the third game of this four-game series. Aces RHP Yusmeiro Petit (0-0, 0.00 ERA) makes his second Major League rehab start, while Salt Lake will send RHP Dan Denham (3-3, 4.82 ERA) to the mound. Saturday is Intraform Poster Giveway Night, with posters going to the first 2,500 fans in attendance. Also, Saturday is Reno Rodeo Night, presented by KBUL. The Aces will be holding a "Wiffle Bull" competition on the plaza outside Aces Ballpark at 5:30 p.m. Fans can swing for the fences with a chance to win great prizes from KBUL.

Starting Monday, the Aces play host to intrastate rival Las Vegas for a three-game series in the inaugural Silver State Diamond Challenge. The games will be the first-ever games between Reno and Las Vegas.

For tickets, stop by the Aces Ballpark Box Office, call (775) 334-7000 or visit www.RenoAces.com.