RENO, Nev."Agustin Murillo drew a bases-loaded walk in the bottom half of the 11th inning Friday night, forcing home the game-winning run in a 5-4 Aces victory over Portland at Aces Ballpark.
Murillo entered the game as a pinch-hitter in the 11th and saw five pitches from Portland reliever Gabe DeHoyos"the fifth a ball inside that chased home Rusty Ryal from third. The win marked the first back-to-back victories for Reno this season.
The Aces saw five batters record a multi-hit effort. Josh Whitesell finished with two hits, two runs scored and four walks. Luke Carlin and Guillermo Reyes each collected three hits on the evening.
The Aces were buoyed by another solid start for Seth Etherton, who allowed just three runs on four hits over seven innings pitched. Etherton walked one and punched out three, though he did not figure into the decision. The win would go to the third Reno reliever of the inning, Bobby Korecky (1-0), who worked 1.1 hitless frames.
The loss fell to the fourth Portland hurler of the night, DeHoyos, who allowed the game-winning run on four hits over one-plus innings of work.
Game three of the series is set for Saturday afternoon at Aces Ballpark. RHP Billy Buckner (0-1, 6.75) ERA) takes the ball for Reno, while RHP Matt Buschmann (1-2, 5.66 ERA) gets the nod for the Beavers. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. PT.
For tickets, stop by the Aces Ballpark Box Office, call (775) 334-7000 or visit www.RenoAces.com.
