RENO - Tony Barnette threw 6.2 innings of two-run ball - and chipped in three hits - to help Reno defeat Colorado Springs 9-5 before 8,489 fans Saturday night at Aces Ballpark.
With the score tied 0-0 through two innings, Reno exploded for four runs and didn't look back. In the third, John Hester and Ruben Gotay had RBI hits, and Trent Oeltjen scored from third on a successful double-steal attempt. The Aces added five more in the sixth, highlighted by Barnette's two-run double and a three-run homer by Oeltjen.
Barnette (9-7) shined until being relieved in the seventh, after allowing only one earned run and striking out seven. The win tied Barnette for the team lead in wins with Seth Etherton.
Colorado Springs starter Esmil Rogers (1-2) took the loss after giving up four earned runs in five innings of work.
Barnette (3-for-3, 2 RBI) and Oeltjen (2-for-4, 3 RBI) led the Aces offensive attack. Hester, Gotay, and Rusty Ryal all added RBIs for Reno.
With the win, Reno improves to 4-1 on its current eight-game homestand. The Aces take on Colorado Springs again Sunday evening, sending RHP Seth Etherton (9-6, 4.71 ERA) to the hill against Sky Sox RHP Adam Eaton (3-3, 2.44 ERA). First pitch is set for 5:05 p.m.