LAS VEGAS, Nev.—Billy Buckner struck out seven and allowed just a run over six innings Friday night, as the Reno Aces avoided a series sweep with a 3-1 victory over the Las Vegas 51s at Cashman Field.
 
Buckner (3-2), making his first start for Reno since being optioned back to Triple-A by the Arizona Diamondbacks, silenced the Las Vegas offense for nearly hiS entire outing. The lone blemish on Buckner’s line was a first-inning RBI single by Randy Ruiz.
 
 Out of the Aces bullpen, Travis Blackley and Leo Rosales combined for two scoreless innings, each earning a hold. That paved the way for Bobby Korecky, Reno’s All-Star closer, to come on and slam the door in the ninth for his 13th save.
 
The loss fell to 51s starter Fabio Castro (3-4), who surrendered three runs on seven hits over 4.2 innings of work. Three Las Vegas relievers kept Reno off the scoreboard over the game’s final 4.1 innings.
 
At the plate for Reno, Trent Oeltjen continued his offensive tear, driving in two runs with a single in the third inning. Rusty Ryal extended his hitting streak to a team-high-tying 12 games with a run-scoring single in the fifth.
 
The Aces now head back to Reno to kick-off a nine-game homestand. First up is a four-game series with the Sacramento River Cats. In the opener, RHP Cesar Valdez (6-4, 3.91 ERA) gets the nod for Reno, while the River Cats turn to RHP Jerome Williams (0-3, 6.03 ERA). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. PT.
 
Saturday’s game is a sell-out. Fans are invited to visit the plaza outside Aces Ballpark for a special free 4th of July Celebration, presented by Channel 2 News, beginning at 3:30 p.m. The festival includes music, a Coors Light Beer Garden, kids attractions, an autograph session, a concert by Top-40 country artist Dean Brody and much more.
 
For tickets to the rest of the homestand, stop by the Aces Ballpark Box Office, call (775) 334-7000 or visit www.RenoAces.com.
 
                                 1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9             R    H   E
Reno                         0    0    2    0    1    0    0    0    0             3    8    0
Las Vegas                  1    0    0    0    0    0    0    0    0             1    6    0
 
WP—Buckner (3-2); LP—Castro (3-4); S—Korecky (13)
 
ATT: 9,973          Time: 2:59
 

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