RENO - Tony Barnette and three Aces relievers held the Las Vegas offense at bay in a 4-2 victory Tuesday night at Aces Ballpark.
With a 1-1 tie in the sixth inning, Reno broke the game open for good. Major League rehabber Tony Clark led-off with a single. After a fielder's choice, Chris Roberson, Brandon Watson and Ed Rogers hit consecutive singles to plate two runs. Reno tacked on a third run in the frame on a two-out passed ball.
Barnette (5-6) started for the Aces, pitching 6.1 innings of six-hit ball to earn his fifth win of the year. Lefties Travis Blackley and Doug Slaten each earned holds before Leo Rosales pitched a perfect ninth for his second save of the season.
Las Vegas got 5.1 innings out of starter Fabio Castro (3-2), who was tagged with only his second loss of the year.
With the win, the Aces assured a series win in the inaugural three-game set with the 51s. In addition, they take a commanding 2-0 lead in the Silver State Diamond Challenge, the season-long matchup between Nevada's two Triple-A teams. The winner of the series receives a custom-made plaque, as well as the honor of watching the opposing city's mayor wear the winning team's jersey to a city council meeting.
Wednesday's series finale will feature Reno RHP Seth Etherton (4-4, 5.35 ERA) against the 51s LHP Brian Burres (3-5, 4.73 ERA). First pitch is slated for 1:05 pm.
For tickets, stop by the Aces Ballpark Box Office, call (775) 334-7000 or visit www.RenoAces.com.