Aces Crush Isotopes to Close First Half

RENO, Nev. – The Reno Aces (44-31) took it to the last place Albuquerque Isotopes (27-48) in a series sweep at Greater Nevada Field this week. The Aces outscored the Isotopes 60-21 in Reno’s first six-game home sweep.

Jorge Barrosa was a catalyst for Reno throughout the week. The exciting center fielder singled, doubled, tripled, and stole a base in the Aces’ game-one 10-2 win Tuesday. Barrosa and four others had multi-hit games, including José Herrera, Dominic Canzone, Jake Hager, and P.J. Higgins.

Barrosa kept it rolling in game two with two more hits and two runs driven in. Phillip Evans helped power Reno to a 2-0 series lead with an opposite-field three-run homer, his fifth of the season. Justin Martínez earned his fifth save in as many tries and has become one of the best late-inning weapons in Triple-A. Martínez owns a minuscule 0.39 ERA with 31 strikeouts over his last 20 appearances.

Kyle Lewis stole the show with five balls hit over 100 mph in a 14-6 Aces crushing in game three. Lewis went 5-for-5 with two singles, two doubles, and a monster three-run homer. The 2020 American League Rookie of the Year is hitting .379 with a 1.069 OPS over his last 14 games, showcasing his elite bat speed and power.

The return of Blaze Alexander is sending a spark through Reno’s lineup. Alexander drove in six runs on a grand slam and a two-run double in Friday’s series-clinching victory. Canzone drove in four more runs and continues to be one of the best run producers in Triple-A. Canzone had three multi-hit games in the series, including one in front of the season’s largest crowd Friday night (7,484).

Brandon Pfaadt, Kevin Ginkel, and Martínez combined for Saturday’s one-run gem. Pfaadt was tremendous, twirling seven innings with seven strikeouts, zero walks, and only one earned run. Pfaadt has struck out 23 and walked just one over his last three starts.

Reno completed the sweep with a late surge Sunday. Barrosa was heavily involved again, going 2-for-3 with a double and two driven in. Barrosa went 11-for-21 in the series with five extra-base hits, eight driven in, and two steals on two tries.

The Aces will open the second half of the season against the Sacramento River Cats (34-40), Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, at Sutter Health Park starting Wednesday. The series begins at 6:45 p.m. PT and runs through Monday, July 3rd.

Reno returns home for a Fourth of July matchup with the Tacoma Rainiers, Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, next Tuesday at 6:35 p.m. PT.

Single Game tickets are on sale at RenoAces.com, the Greater Nevada Field Ticket Office, or by texting “TIXX” to 21003. Season Memberships are available via RenoAces.com, texting “MEMBER” to 21003, or calling (775) 334-7000.

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