Aces Drop Sky Sox, 8-6, for Fifth-Straight Win

Published on July 17, 2011 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Reno Aces News Release

RENO, Nev.- Tony Abreu's three-run home run in the second inning gave Reno a 4-1 lead Saturday night, and another strong bullpen performance propelled the Aces to an 8-6 win over Colorado Springs at Aces Ballpark.

After the Sky Sox jumped out to an early 1-0 lead, Reno put up four runs in the second and held on for its fifth-straight victory. Abreu's three-run blast broke open a 1-1 tie, after Aces starting pitcher Gaby Hernandez put Reno on the board with an RBI ground-rule double.

The Aces added single runs in the fourth and sixth before tacking on a pair of insurance runs in the seventh. The Aces' five-game winning streak equals their season-high streak from April 10-13, and keeps them 10 games up on second-place Tacoma, which also won Saturday.

Hernandez (3-2) overcame five walks to hold the Sky Sox to four runs in five innings of work. The Aces bullpen was strong for the third-straight game, surrendering just two runs in four innings. Kam Mickolio picked up his fifth save of the season despite giving up a run in the ninth.

Sky Sox starter Esmil Rogers (0-2)-pitching on a Major League rehabilitation assignment-took the loss, after Reno roughed him up for five runs-all earned-in five innings.

Mark Hallberg extended his hitting streak to six games with his third-straight multi-hit effort, finishing 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI. Cody Ransom and David Winfree each tripled, and Collin Cowgill added two singles and drove in a run.

Reno looks for the sweep in Sunday's series finale against Colorado Springs. Aces RHP Armando Galarraga (1-2, 10.38 ERA) will toe the slab against Sky Sox RHP Edgar Gonzalez (2-3, 5.87 ERA), with first pitch set for 1:05 p.m. PT. Sunday's game is a Renown Children's Hospital Family Funday, with another episode of baseball bingo on tap at Aces Ballpark.

Tickets are available at RenoAces.com, the Aces Ballpark box office or by phone at (775) 334-7000. Discounted group tickets for your next event are available today.

Pacific Coast League Stories from July 17, 2011

• Robinson Slam Sends 'Topes to 9-5 Win - Albuquerque Isotopes
• Padres Return Home Monday for First Time in 12 Days - Tucson Padres
• Giavotella Powers Chasers Past Hometown Zephyrs - Omaha Storm Chasers
• Express Leaves 'Birds at the Station - Memphis Redbirds
• Round Rock Express Take Finale at Memphis 8-5 - Round Rock Express
• Sounds Drop Homestand Finale to Isotopes, 9-5 - Nashville Sounds
• Rainiers Stung by Salt Lake, 5-2 - Tacoma Rainiers
• Raley Field Plays Hero, Grizzlies Can't Complete Sweep - Fresno Grizzlies
• Aces Sweep Sky Sox with 6-4 Win - Reno Aces
• Zephyrs Fall to Omaha 7-4 - New Orleans Baby Cakes
• Cubs Take Series with 3-2 Sunday Win - Oklahoma City Comets
• Robinson Blasts Cubs Past RedHawks - Iowa Cubs
• Tucson Shut Out by Las Vegas, 5-0 - Las Vegas Aviators
• Round Rock Express Game Notes - Round Rock Express
• Oklahoma City RedHawks Transactions - Oklahoma City Comets
• Bush Joins Iowa Rotation - Iowa Cubs
• RedHawks Game Notes - Oklahoma City Comets
• Aces Drop Sky Sox, 8-6, for Fifth-Straight Win - Reno Aces
• Pill's Slam Keys Grizzlies Comeback - Fresno Grizzlies
• Rainiers Stifle Salt Lake, 4-1 - Tacoma Rainiers

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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