Cloyd perfect into seventh, adds two-run double in ‘Cakes one-hitter

METAIRIE – Tyler Cloyd carried a perfect game into the seventh inning and added a two-run double at the plate, leading the New Orleans Baby Cakes to a 4-1 victory in a combined one-hitter over the Reno Aces on Tuesday night.

Cloyd retired the first 18 batters he faced before Ildemaro Vargas slapped a leadoff double down the left field line in the seventh. Cloyd recovered to set down the next three hitters, including Christian Walker on a ground out to score Vargas and break up the shutout bid, but finished with a season-high seven innings.

Cloyd (2-3) struck out four and earned his second victory, and first since June 18. He provided all the offense needed himself when he battled opposing pitcher Jake Buchanan to a full count with the bases loaded in the second, and roped a double off the base of the wall in center field to score two.

Austin Dean followed with an RBI single to boost the Baby Cakes’ lead to 3-0.

After Walker got the Aces on the board in the top of the seventh, Peter Mooney answered with a solo home run in the bottom half. It was Mooney’s third homer of the year, all of which have come in his last 10 games.

Tyler Kinley struck out three in a row after a leadoff walk in the eighth inning, and Jumbo Diaz worked around a one-out walk in the ninth to pick up his ninth save in 10 opportunities.

Buchanan (7-8) worked 6 2/3 innings and allowed four runs and nine hits in taking the loss.

The Baby Cakes and Aces continue the three-game set on Wednesday at 7 p.m.