The Fresno Grizzlies (70-56) fell 4-1 in the series opener of the final four-game set of the season with the Reno Aces (71-56). It was the fourth time in 2017 Fresno was held to just three hits. Tied for first place going into the Saturday night contest, the Grizzlies are
The Fresno Grizzlies (70-56) fell 4-1 in the series opener of the final four-game set of the season with the Reno Aces (71-56). It was the fourth time in 2017 Fresno was held to just three hits. Tied for first place going into the Saturday night contest, the Grizzlies are now one game back from the home team in the Pacific North Division. The season series between the clubs now stands at 7-7.
The Aces were on the board first when Christian Walker hit his 31st home run of the season to left center. The solo shot gave Reno a 1-0 lead after one. Fresno was able to tie the contest in the top of the third when Tony Kemp (2-for-5) singled to get on and scored on a Preston Tucker RBI groundout.
Reno went ahead 2-1 in the sixth when Jack Reinheimer (walk) scored on an error that allowed Orlando Arcia to reach base. The Aces lead increased to a 4-1 final in the seventh on an Evan Marzilli two-run homer to right. Kristopher Negrón was hit by a pitch to get on and scored on Marzilli's first home run of the season.
Fresno starter Trent Thornton (6-4) suffered the loss allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits and two walks with eight strikeouts through six innings. The eight punch-outs were a new personal season-high for Thornton in the quality start.
For Reno, starter Taylor Clarke allowed the one run on two hits and six walks with four strikeouts through 5.2 innings. Kaleb Fleck (2-2) earned the win through 2.1 innings of relief while reliever Erik Davis struck out two in the ninth to pick up his third save of the season.
The Grizzlies and the Aces continue the four-game series at Greater Nevada Field on Sunday at 1:05 p.m. LHP Kent Emanuel (1-1, 6.37) will be on the mound for Fresno to face Reno RHP Matt Koch (1-2, 10.06).
