Reed finds new way into Cal record book

A.J. Reed found another way to put his name into the Cal League record books Wednesday.

The Astros' No. 11 prospect started a triple play and slugged a solo homer as Class A Advanced Lancaster fell to Inland Empire, 8-7.

With the bases loaded in the second inning and the JetHawks trailing, 2-0, Reed snagged a line drive off the bat of Angel Rosa for the first out. The 22-year-old first baseman stepped on first to double off Stephen McGee and fired the ball to shortstop Jack Mayfield at second to nab Caleb Adams for the third out.

"It was bases loaded and I was playing in," Reed said. "[Rosa] sent me a line drive so I stepped on first and threw to second. When I caught it, I glanced at second and the runner on second was going towards third and he had a pretty big lead, I knew if I got to first quick enough and threw it I could get him out."

Leading off the home half of the second, Reed launched his California League-leading 20th long ball of the season, his lone hit on the game.

"The starter [Harrison Cooney], he has pretty good sink on his ball," he said. "I was just looking for a pitch up and I got a 1-0 fastball that I was able to get in the air and put a good swing on it."

In addition to the home runs, the Indiana native also paces the circuit with 71 RBIs, ranks second with a .332 average and leads with a 1.046 OPS.

"Except for the first month, it's been a pretty good season so far," Reed said. "I just got to keep doing what I've been doing the last two months. Keep the average up, still hitting for power and keep driving guys in. That's just my approach when I'm up there, just get a good pitch to hit and put a good swing on it."

Reed has been something of a milestone man this season, having cycled on June 16 and launched three homers on May 6.

Brian Holberton went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored. The 23-year-old backstop also threw out three baserunners trying to steal for Inland Empire.

"It was nice to see that," Reed said. "Sometimes he struggles a little bit with that. Tonight it went well. We're pretty good friends off the field, I like to see him do well. I was very happy for him."

Tyler Brunnemann (3-1) was tagged with the loss, allowing one run on one hit while recording two outs for the JetHawks.

Eric Aguilera hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the top of the ninth and finished with three RBIs while Kody Eaves plated three runs for the 66ers.

Cooney, who did not figure into the decision, gave up two runs on four hits while fanning seven and walking two over six innings for Inland Empire. Brian Loconsole improved to 4-1 after allowing two runs on two hits over 1 1/3 innings of relief, and Geoff Broussard fanned two in a perfect ninth for his fifth save.