NASHVILLE"Rusty Ryal hit a third-inning home run and the Reno Aces got back in the win column Thursday night, knocking-off the Nashville Sounds 4-3 at Herschel Greer Stadium.
The Aces hopped out to a 3-0 lead in the early going, but saw that advantage evaporate in the sixth, as Nashville knotted the game at 3 thanks to four Reno errors"three on one play that saw three runners cross the plate.
In the seventh, though, Luke Carlin hit a single that chased home Ryal with the go-ahead run.
The Aces bullpen held on to the lead and delivered the victory. Doug Slaten (1-1) tossed 2.2 innings of relief to earn the win.
Bobby Korecky (2) came on to slam the door in the ninth to secure his second save. Reno starter Cesar Valdez worked 5.1 frames, scattering three runs"one earned"on three hits. Valdez struck out four and walked two in a no-decision effort.
The loss fell to Nashville's Wes Littleton (0-3), who allowed Carlin's RBI single in the seventh.
At the plate for Reno, Ryal finished 2-for-5 with two runs scored and two driven in. He is now tied for the team lead with four home runs. Carlin and Ruben Gotay each finished with two hits.
The series will come to a close tonight. Reno turns to Tony Barnette (2-2, 5.91), and the Sounds give the ball to RHP Tim Dillard (5-1, 2.31 ERA). First pitch from Greer Stadium is set for 5 p.m. The action can be heard live on Fox Sports Radio 1450 AM.