Orlando Mercado celebrated his first-career game at Aces Ballpark with a walk-off sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 11th inning Monday, lifting the Reno Aces to an 8-7 win over the Tacoma Rainiers.
The Aces led 3-1 heading into the eighth inning, when Tacoma's offense broke out for three runs to take a 4-3 lead. Reno answered in the bottom of the eighth, scoring four runs thanks to RBI singles by John Hester and Trent Oeltjen, and a two-run triple by Rusty Ryal. Tacoma clawed back with three runs in the top of the ninth, though, to tie the game at 7-7.
In the bottom of the eleventh, Chris Roberson led off with a triple, followed by two intentional walks. With the bases loaded, Reno's newest player, Mercado,ended the game with a sacrifice fly to center.
Reno starter Seth Etherton settled for a no-decision, despite allowing only one run over seven innings of work. Abe Woody (1-1) got the win for the Aces after pitching a scoreless 11th inning.
Justin Thomas was tagged with the loss for Tacoma after allowing the game-winning run.
Ryal finished 3-for-5, falling a home run short of the cycle. Oeltjen, Josh Whitesell, and Mercado each had two hits and an RBI.
The Aces look for a series sweep Tuesday afternoon, as they send RHP Yusmeiro Petit (0-1, 7.11 ERA) to the mound against RHP Gaby Hernandez (3-7, 5.64 ERA). First pitch is at 1:05 pm.
For tickets, stop by the Aces Ballpark Box Office, call (775) 334-7000 or visit www.RenoAces.com.
