PCL Reno Aces

Zach Lee Earns First Win of the Season, Aces Top River Cats 7-3

Published on May 23, 2021 under Pacific Coast League (PCL)
Reno Aces News Release


RENO, Nev. - The Reno Aces topped the Sacramento River Cats today by a score of 7-3, behind a strong performance from Zach Lee and the Aces bullpen. Matt Lipka led the offensive attack, going 3-for-4 with three RBIs and a run scored, as the Aces scored all seven runs in the final four frames after falling behind.

"They just keep grinding away, they don't go away and they don't let early innings affect later in the ballgame" said Aces manager Blake Lalli. "They stay at it and they find a way to push some runs across, then the pitching staff takes it from there."

Sacramento would strike first, scoring on a solo homer in the bottom of the fifth to take a 1-0 lead. Aces starter Zach Lee had held a shutout through the first four innings, extending a scoreless streak to 11 innings. The Aces move to 7-2 on the season when their opponent scores first, compared to 5-2 when they themselves score first.

As has been a habit this season, the Aces would answer quickly after the River Cats scored. Reno hung five runs on the board in the 6th. With the bases loaded and one out, Henry Ramos smoked a ball to third base that could have been a double play. And error scored Juniel Querecuto and kept the inning alive, with the bases still loaded.

Next up was Lipka, who cleared the traffic on the basepaths with a double into left that plated three and put the Aces up 4-1. The damage was not done yet, as Lipka would steal third and score on a single from Renae Martinez to make it 5-1.

Lalli would go to the bullpen to start the bottom of the sixth, finishing Lee's night with one run on four hits in five innings - picking up his first win of the season in the process.

Both teams' bats would quiet down after that, until the Aces added to their cushion in the top of the ninth. With one out, Martinez at third and Jancarlos Cintron at second, Querecuto would single to right and make it 7-1.

Sam Moll would enter to pitch the ninth, allowing a two-run homer to make it a 7-3 final.

Reno moves to 12-4 on the season, continuing the best start in team history.

The Aces and River Cats will be back at it tomorrow in the penultimate game of the six-game series, starting at 6:35 p.m. PT. Zack Bayrouty will be on the call on KPLY 630AM or online at RenoAces.com.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from May 23, 2021


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