PORTLAND, Ore.- On the heels of the best offensive night in club history, the Reno Aces needed a run-scoring single in the 10th inning by Luke Carlin to slip past the Portland Beavers, 2-1, in the series opener Saturday night at PGE Park.
Playing against his former team, Carlin entered the game in the ninth as part of a double switch. He came to the plate in the top of the 10th with two on and one out and promptly singled sharply to right-center, driving home Ruben Gotay with the go-ahead, and ultimately game-winning, run.
Aces starter Seth Etherton allowed just a run on five hits over seven innings of work, despite not figuring into the decision. Etherton walked three and struck out four. Out of the Reno bullpen, Doug Slaten retired all five batters he faced, before Bobby Korecky (2-1) came on and recorded the final four outs to earn the victory.
Portland starter Will Inman kept his team in the ballgame, holding Reno to just a run on four hits over six frames. The loss fell to Beavers closer Edwin Moreno (0-1), who surrendered Carlin's run-scoring single in the 10th.
The series continues with a Sunday matinee from PGE Park. The Aces will give the nod to Hector Ambriz (1-3, 4.54 ERA), while the Beavers are set to counter with Josh Banks (3-3, 2.64 ERA). First pitch is set for 2:05 p.m., and the action can be heard live on Fox Sports Radio 1450 AM.
The Aces return home on June 11 for a four-game set with Salt Lake and a three-game series with intrastate rival Las Vegas.