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PCL1 Reno Aces

Drury's Big Night Helps Aces Salvage Finale

July 3, 2015 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Reno Aces News Release


ALBUQUERQUE - Brandon Drury drove home Raul Navarro with a two-out RBI double in the top of the ninth, helping the Reno Aces (@Aces) complete a come-from-behind 5-4 win in front of 16,286 fans Friday night at Isotopes Park.

Drury capped off his impressive night at the dish by lacing the go-ahead double to right off of left-hander Ken Roberts (0-3), scoring Navarro who began the frame by reaching on a bunt single. Drury finished 4-for-5 with three doubles, two runs and the game-winning RBI. His three two-baggers are the most by an Aces player in a single game this season.

The Isotopes (36-46) struck first against Aces starter Aaron Blair, scoring one run in the second inning on a two-out RBI single by Roger Bernadina. Reno (38-44) responded against Albuquerque's Eddie Butler in the fourth on Jamie Romak's 15th homer of the season to straightaway center, tying the game at one.

Albuquerque regained the lead in the home half of the fifth, scoring three runs on five hits, including four straight with two away. Trevor Story gave the 'Topes the lead with a two-run homer to left, and after Kyle Parker laced a double to right, Matt McBride smashed a run-scoring single to left, making it 4-1.

The Aces' uphill climb began immediately in the sixth and continued each inning until the finish.

Drury opened the sixth with a single and scored moments later when Nick Buss (@chilibuss) one-hopped the wall in center for an RBI double. Buss then moved to third on a deep fly to center from Romak but was later cut down at the plate on an 8-2 double play, keeping the Aces down two.

Still facing Butler to start the seventh, Peter O'Brien singled and Óscar Hernández (@OscarHernDbacks) followed with a double into the left-field corner, moving O'Brien to third. Navarro rolled an RBI groundout to short, but Hernández was eventually stranded at third.

Down 4-3 in the eighth, the Aces went to work against the Isotopes' bullpen. Drury began the inning by doubling to left off of Jairo Diaz, and Buss promptly grounded an RBI single to center, knotting the game at four.

And their success continued in the ninth against Roberts.

The bullpen combination of Evan Marshall (@emarsh31), Matt Reynolds, Seth Simmons (@SizzleSimmons95) and Addison Reed (@Areed43) kept the Isotopes at bay over the final four innings, allowing just three hits. Simmons (2-1) got the win with a scoreless eighth, and Reed - who allowed the walk-off home run Thursday night - escaped trouble in the ninth. He gave up back-to-back singles to open the frame but managed to strike out the final three batters to preserve the lead.

Both starting pitchers took no-decisions in the dramatic finale. Blair lasted six innings, surrendering four earned runs on eight hits with two walks and four strikeouts. Butler allowed three runs on eight hits over seven innings. He walked none and struck out five.

With the win, the Aces snapped their losing streak at three games.

Reno returns to Aces Ballpark for a nine-game homestand set to begin tomorrow night on July 4 against Sacramento. Reno will send right-hander Gabriel Arias (4-1, 3.61) to the bump against River Cats right-hander Clayton Blackburn (2-3, 4.22). First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m with gates opening at 5:05. Group outings are on-sale now at www.RenoAces.com or by calling (775) 334-4700. For up-to-date news and notes throughout the season, follow the club on Twitter (@aces) or like the team on Facebook.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from July 3, 2015


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