Reno, Nev.- Brandon Watson had his 20th multi-hit game of the season, but it wasn't enough as the Las Vegas 51s knocked off the Aces 5-0 in the series finale Wednesday afternoon at Aces Ballpark.
Reno couldn't figure out Vegas lefty Brian Burres (4-5), as he threw the first complete game shutout in Aces Ballpark history. Watson, Chris Roberson and Ed Rogers were the only Aces to get a hit off Burres, who struck out five Reno hitters while walking none.
Aces starter Seth Etherton (4-5) was roughed up for three runs in the first, but settled down to throw six innings, allowing eight hits and four runs. Reno relievers Jose Marte and Abe Woody kept the Aces in it, but Burres was too much for the Reno offense.
With the loss, Reno falls to 2-1 on the season series with its intrastate rival. The winner of the 16-game season series between Nevada's two Triple-A franchises will take home the coveted Silver State Diamond Classic plaque. The Aces and 51s continue the SSDC July 1-3 at Cashman Field in Las Vegas.
Thursday, the Aces begin a four-game series in Tacoma against the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, the Tacoma Rainiers. Reno will send RHP Yusmeiro Petit (0-1, 9.64 ERA) to the mound for his third Major League rehab start. He will be opposed by Rainiers LHP Chris Seddon (4-4, 4.76 ERA). Game time is 7:00 p.m., and the action can be heard live on Fox Sports Radio 1450 AM.
After an eight-game, nine-day road trip, Reno returns home to face Tacoma in a four-game set that begins June 27 at Aces Ballpark.
For tickets, stop by the Aces Ballpark Box Office, call (775) 334-7000 or visit www.RenoAces.com.
