ALBUQUERQUE, NM- Isotopes outfielder Jamie Hoffmann unlocked a 2-2 tie with a solo home run in the bottom of the ninth inning Thursday night, lifting Albuquerque to a 3-2 walk-off victory over the Reno Aces in the series opener at Isotopes Park.
Hoffman deposited a 3-2 offering by Jason Urquidez over the wall in left to end the proceedings.
Urquidez (2-2) didn't record an out in the ninth and was pinned with the loss. Reno starter Zach Kroenke took a no decision, scattering two runs on five hits with five strikeouts over 7.0 innings of work. The win went to Travis Schlichting (3-1), who held the Aces scoreless in the ninth. Isotopes starter Dana Eveland worked eight frames, allowing two runs on eight hits.
At the plate for Reno, Hallberg finished 3-for-3, including two doubles, with a run and an RBI. Schmidt doubled twice in four trips to the plate.
The Aces and Isotopes hook-up again on tonight from Isotopes Park. RHP Matt Torra (2-0, 5.08 ERA) gets the nod for Reno, while Albuquerque will counter with RHP Tim Redding (1-4, 6.37 ERA). First pitch is set for 3:05 p.m.