RENO - Reno's offense came to life in the eighth inning Thursday night, but the effort proved to be too little as the Fresno Grizzlies forced a series split with a 4-1 victory over the Aces in the series finale at Aces Ballpark.
The Aces were held hitless through five, before Angel Berroa broke up the no-hitter bid with a single in the sixth. Reno touched-up the scoreboard for the first time in the eighth when pinch-hitter Cole Gillespie grounded into a run-scoring double play. The Aces finished the frame with four hits and three runners left on base, despite scoring just once. Reno went quietly in the ninth and settled for a series split, 2-2.
Aces starter Gaby Hernandez (4-7) took the loss, surrendering four runs on six hits over six innings of work. Hernandez walked two and struck out three. Out of the Reno bullpen, Jason Urquidez, Tom Layne and Mike DeMark each worked a scoreless frame.
Grizzlies starter Scott Munter worked three hitless frames, Ronnie Ray (4-2) earned the win after two more hitless innings, and Osiris Matos held the Aces hitless over the sixth and seventh innings. Dan Otero-Fresno's sixth pitcher of the evening-dealt a scoreless ninth for the save.
At the plate for Reno, Berroa registered the Aces' lone multi-hit effort of the night, finishing 2-for-3.
The Aces now begin the final series of the regular season before moving on to their first-ever appearance in the Pacific Coast League playoffs. Reno will welcome in the Tucson Padres for a four-game series. In Friday's opener, RHP Wes Roemer (0-1, 4.34 ERA) gets the nod for the Aces, while the Padres will counter with RHP Matt Buschmann (6-5, 7.82 ERA). First pitch at Aces Ballpark is set for 7:05 p.m. PT. The evening will be highlighted by another Saint Mary's Fireworks Friday presented by KRNV News 4 and a Food Drive presented by US Foods, which will benefit the Food bank of Northern Nevada.
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.