The El Paso Chihuahuas took an early-game lead on Friday and rode it all the way through nine innings to beat the Reno Aces 4-1.
The Dogs (31-17) were able to split the four-game series and stay on top in the Pacific Coast League’s Pacific Southern Division with their nearest rival – the Las Vegas Aviators (AAA-Oakland A’s) – three games behind.
El Paso blasted four runs past the Aces in the 1st inning and the Aces hardly let out a peep. The first of the Dogs’ runs came by way of a Francisco Mejia double.
First baseman Matthew Batten followed with a three-run line drive that bounced off the right field foul pole, El Paso 4-0.
Reno responded in the 7th with a solo blast to center field by third baseman Wyatt Mathisen and were never heard from again, Chihuahuas 4-1.
Starting pitcher Logan Allen (4.01 ERA) deserves a lot of credit for the win. Allen kept Reno’s batters on a leash through seven innings only allowing a run and striking out 10 batters.
Allen was substituted in the 7th inning by local favorite Gerardo Reyes (3.52 ERA) who faced four batters and allowed no runs.
Eric Yardley (3.18 ERA) closed out the game for the Dogs striking out the last two batters and earning his third save of the year.
The winning pitcher was Allen (4-1) and the losing pitcher was Jon Duplantier (0-2, 4.76 ERA). Attendance was 9,204 at Southwest University Park.
Box Score |  Team Records: Reno (19-29), El Paso (31-17)
Next Game: Saturday, 8:05 pm at Chukchansi Park. El Paso LHP Jerry Keel (4-0, 5.34) vs. Fresno RHP Paolo Espino (3-1, 5.15). The game will air on 600 ESPN El Paso and www.epchihuahuas.com.
Author:Â Larry Monarrez – El Paso Herald Post
