Bucker's pitching in Reno earns him award

RENO, Nev. - The Arizona Diamondbacks have named Billy Buckner their Minor League Pitcher of the Year for the job he did with the Reno Aces this season.

The 26-year-old right-hander from Decatur, Ga., posted a 9-3 record with the Diamondbacks AAA team in the Pacific Coast League. He boasted a 3.32 ERA and earned the victory in eight of his final nine decisions.

The best was a four-hit, complete-game shutout against Tacoma in Reno on July 31. Two starts later, he allowed only four hits and no runs in seven innings at Omaha.

When Arizona brought him up during the season, he had a 4-6 record with a 6.40 ERA in 13 starts and three relief stints. After being recalled from Reno the final time, he earned the win in each of his last two starts.