TACOMA, Wash. - The Reno Aces scored nine times in the sixth inning Friday night, turning a two-run deficit into a comfortable lead in a 10-2 victory over the Tacoma Rainiers at Cheney Stadium.
The Aces struggled to get going Friday, managing just three hits and no runs through the game's first five innings. That all changed in the sixth, though, when the Reno offense exploded for a season-high nine runs to go ahead 9-2. The lead would stand up easily, as Reno picked up its second win in as many tries on the road trip.
Reno sent 13 men to the plate in that sixth frame, with Rusty Ryal, Luke Carlin, Ed Rogers, Abraham Nunez, Chad Tracy and Ruben Gotay all driving in runs.
Every Ace collected at least one hit on the evening, with Nunez leading the way with two hits and three RBIs.
The win went to Reno starter Hector Ambriz (3-4), who allowed two runs on seven hits over seven innings of work. Ambriz walked one and struck out four. The loss fell to Tacoma starter Gaby Hernandez (3-6), who cruised through five innings before allowing the first five runs in the sixth inning. Hernandez walked three and struck out eight.
The series continues Saturday night from Cheney Stadium. Cesar Valdez (5-4, 3.68 ERA) takes the ball for Reno, while Tacoma turns to Doug Fister (3-0, 4.44). First pitch is slated for 7 p.m., and the action can be heard live on Fox Sports Radio 1450 AM.
After a road swing through Tacoma and Portland, the Aces return home for an action-packed four-game homestand at Aces Ballpark on June 27.