RENO, Nev.- Jeff Bailey had a three-hit afternoon and the Aces mounted a late rally, but fell Reno just short in a 9-6 loss to the Salt Lake Bees Wednseday afternoon at Aces Ballpark.
With the game tied at 1-1, Reno took an early 3-1 lead in the second inning. Drew Macias led off the inning with a solo shot to right field, and Mark Hallberg singled in Yunesky Sanchez past a drawn-in infield to give Reno a two-run advantage.
The lead would last until the fourth, when Salt Lake scored two runs to tie the game. The Bees then took a six-run lead into the ninth before Reno mounted a two-out rally, before Brandon Allen left the tying run on deck with a game-ending popout.
Aces starter Cesar Valdez (0-1) took the loss after allowing five earned runs in six innings of work. Valdez struck out six without allowing a walk, but the Bees used a pair of two-run homers to chase the Reno starter from the game.
Bees starter Sean O'Sullivan (1-1) struggled early, but settled down to earn his first victory of the season. The right-hander struck out nine Aces hitters and allowed only six hits in 6.2 innings to secure the win.
Bailey's three-hit afternoon raises his average to .423 on the season, while Macias added a pair of hits and his first home run.
Reno and Salt Lake complete the series tomorrow evening. Reno RHP Bryan Augenstein (0-1, 7.94 ERA) will take the hill against Salt Lake LHP Daniel Davidson (1-0, 3.00 ERA). First pitch is set for 6:05 p.m.
Thursday's game is also the first Coors Light Thirsty Thursday™ of the season, with $2 domestic beers available from one hour prior to first pitch until the start of the fifth inning. In addition, $14 tickets are available for picnic table seating in the Coors Light Party Zone, and free Coors Light Thirsty Thursday™ T-shirts will be given away this Thursday as well.
Tickets for all Aces games start at just $7, and are available by calling the Reno Aces box office at (775) 334-7000 or by visiting www.RenoAces.com
