A fielding error by Tacoma Rainiers first baseman Jesus Montero with one out in the ninth allowed Chris Owings to score the winning run in a 7-6 walk-off Aces victory Monday afternoon in the series finale.
Reno held a 6-4 lead going into the ninth, when reliever Kevin Munson loaded the bases on a pair of walks and a single. Munson allowed a sacrifice fly before being replaced by lefty Eury De La Rosa. Carlos Triunfel crossed the plate on a force out to tie the score at 6. De La Rosa issued a walk to Ty Kelly before Franklin Gutierrez lined out to end the threat.
With one out in the bottom of the frame, Chris Owings came up with his second hit of the night, a single to right center. Mike Jacobs reached on a fielder’s choice that advanced Owings to second, setting the scene for the walk-off. Matt Davidson hit what looked like a routine groundout to first base, but the ball went under the glove of Montero, and Owings was able to score the winning run.
The victory marked Reno’s fifth walk-off win this season, as well as its fifth series win. Reno has now won the season series over Tacoma in each of the first five years of the team’s existence.
Juan Rivera recorded his second, four-hit game since the All-Star break, going 4-for-4 with a double, three RBIs and a run scored. He is 19-for-35 (.543) with three triples, two home runs and 11 RBIs in nine games to start the unofficial second half of the season.
Owings recorded his second-straight multi-hit game, going 2-for-5 with a pair of runs scored. Josh Wilson hit his second home run of the season.
De La Rosa was charged with his first blown save of the season, but earned the win. Reno starter Nate Adcock had his second-longest outing of the season for the Aces, allowing four runs on seven hits through 6.1 innings, while striking out five.
The Aces traveled to Oklahoma City Tuesday to begin an eight-game road trip. Trevor Cahill (0-0, No ERA) will take the mound for Reno in continuation of his Major League Rehabilitation Assignment, while the RedHawks will counter with Jake Buchanan (2-1, 6.23 ERA). First pitch is set for 5:05 p.m., and the action can be heard live on KPLY 630 AM.
Reno returns home on Aug. 8 for an eight-game homestand. Tickets are available for all remaining Aces home games at RenoAces.com, by calling (775) 334-7000 or by visiting the Aces Ballpark Ticket Office.