One bad pitch plus two missed opportunities equaled a third straight loss for the Sky Sox on Monday at Security Service Field.

John Hester’s three-run homer made the difference in a 5-4 Reno victory against Sky Sox starter Brandon Hynick (10-7).

“Brandon didn’t really pitch that bad but left a few balls up and paid the price for it,” said Sky Sox catcher Sal Fasano. “He left a cutter up to Hester in a tough situation.”

Chris Young’s double and an error by first baseman Dan Ortmeier preceded Hester’s ninth homer.

Ed Rogers had a solo homer for Reno in the second.

Matt Miller, Kenny Perez and Jonathan Herrera had two hits each for the Sky Sox, who missed a pair of scoring opportunities.

Perez was caught off third base in the fourth when Hynick missed the sign for a squeeze bunt. In the sixth, Herrera tripled and tried to score the tying run on Eric Young Jr.’s potential sacrifice fly to center but Young threw him out at home.

Notes: Gates open early today at 3:30 p.m. so fans can watch Sky Sox batting practice. The newest Sky Sox player is Jason Giambi, the 2000 American League MVP. Fasano, who played with Giambi with the Yankees and A’s, said, “Jason’s a tremendous teammate. Everybody thinks of his home runs but he’s a real knowledgeable player. He’s a real positive guy, and it’s fun having him around. I’ve had a lot of teammates, and he’s one of my favorites.”

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