Nelson’s Multi-Homer Night Not Enough as Space Cowboys Fall to Aces

 Written by MAi' Ghen Storm, SFL Writer | Photo: Raphael Fernandez, SFL Photographer 

RENO, Nev. – Despite a powerhouse performance from outfielder James Nelson, the Sugar Land Space Cowboys (16-14) dropped a narrow 3-2 decision to the Reno Aces (15-15) on Thursday night at Greater Nevada Field.

Early Lead and Pitching Duel

The Space Cowboys wasted no time getting on the board. James Nelson launched a leadoff home run to deep left-center field in the first inning, giving Sugar Land an immediate 1-0 advantage. It was the first of two solo shots for Nelson, who finished the night 2-for-4 and extended his hitting streak to eight games—the longest for any Space Cowboy this season.

On the mound, J.P. France (1-2) took the tough-luck loss. France worked 4.0 innings, striking out five while allowing three runs on seven hits. Reno managed to level the score in the second inning when Jacob Amaya doubled and later scored on a balk.

The Deciding Blow

The difference-maker came in the bottom of the fourth. After Tommy Troy reached on a single, Amaya struck again, crushing a two-run home run to put the Aces ahead 3-1. Amaya was the offensive catalyst for Reno, finishing 2-for-4 with two RBIs.

Nelson brought Sugar Land back within one in the sixth inning with his second solo blast of the night off Reno starter Thomas Hatch (1-0). Hatch earned the win after pitching 5.1 innings with five strikeouts.

Bullpen Shines in Late Frames

While the offense stalled late, the Sugar Land bullpen was lights-out. Jose Fleury, Anthony Maldonado, and Logan VanWey combined for 4.0 innings of one-hit, scoreless relief, racking up four strikeouts to keep the game within reach.

However, Reno’s bullpen proved equally effective. Yilber Díaz entered in the ninth and retired the side to secure his first career Triple-A save.