RENO, Nev.-Cole Gillespie's three-run homer in the first inning helped stake Reno to a 4-0 lead Wednesday night, and the Aces held on to for a 4-3 victory over the Fresno Grizzlies at Aces Ballpark.
In the first, the Aces jumped on top of Fresno with four runs, as Mark Hallberg started a one-out rally with a double to right. Tony Abreu followed with an infield single, setting the stage for Gillespie, who deposited an 0-1 pitch over the left field wall, giving Reno a 3-0 lead.
The Aces would add another run in the frame, when Robby Hammock scored on a Fresno error after drawing a two-out walk, and the pitching staff did the rest.
Aces starter Zach Kroenke (10-3) picked up his team-leading 10th victory, holding Fresno to just two runs on four hits over six innings, before being lifted for a pinch hitter. The Aces bullpen held the lead, as Alberto Castillo and Sam Demel earned holds before Ryan Cook tossed a scoreless ninth for his sixth save.
The loss fell to Matt Yourkin (9-8), who surrendered four runs-three earned-in six innings of work.
Abreu finished with three hits and a run scored, while Hallberg recorded two hits for the second-straight night. Lucas May and Tommy Manzella picked up a pair of hits each for Reno, which won for the sixth time in its last seven home games.
Reno and Fresno conclude the series Thursday night, with RHP Gaby Hernandez (4-6, 5.96 ERA) scheduled to take the ball for Reno. Fresno has yet to name a starter. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. PT from Aces Ballpark, and is the season's final Coors Light Thirsty Thursday™ presented by Lotus Radio and Reno News & Review. Thursday's game will also be televised live in Northern Nevada on my21 TV.
Tickets for all Aces games, including the 2011 Pacific Coast League playoffs, are available today at RenoAces.com, the Aces Ballpark Box Office or by phone at (775) 334-7000. Discounted group tickets are also available.