Aces Trade Blows with Bees, Split Six-Game Road Series in Salt Lake

RENO, Nev. – Following a competitive series, the Reno Aces (8-7) split their six-game set against the Salt Lake Bees (7-8), the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels, this past week at The Ballpark at America First Square.

Reno secured its first win of the series in comeback fashion on Wednesday night, plating six runs in the eighth inning to defeat the Bees, 6-2. Jorge Barrosa, Ildemaro Vargas, and Tristin English powered the rally, each going deep in the victory. After being held scoreless through seven frames, Barrosa sparked the comeback with his second home run in as many days—a two-run shot to tie the game. Vargas and English followed with back-to-back blasts, giving the Aces a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

The BLC-Nine returned to the win column on Saturday with a dominant offensive outburst, erupting for 20 runs in a commanding victory over Salt Lake. Vargas went 2-for-4 with five RBI, including a bases-clearing triple. Rene Pinto enjoyed his best performance at the plate this season, collecting three hits—two doubles and a solo home run. Connor Kaiser added four hits, including a double and three RBI, while Jordan Lawlar reached base six times, going 3-for-4 with three walks, a double, and an RBI.

Reno carried that momentum into Sunday’s series finale, where A.J. Vukovich and Lawlar each went yard to power the Aces to a 6-1 win. Vukovich opened the scoring in the second inning with a solo shot to right-center—his first home run of the season. On the mound, Billy Corcoran delivered his best performance yet, tossing five shutout innings with six strikeouts and one walk. Vargas stayed red-hot, going 2-for-4 with two RBI, while Lawlar capped the scoring with a solo blast to right field.

The Aces’ offense enjoyed a strong series, collectively slashing .306/.403/.516 with 25 extra-base hits, including 10 home runs, 46 RBI, and 35 walks. Vargas led the charge, going 10-for-23 (.435) with a home run and 10 RBI. The veteran infielder enters next week’s homestand riding a nine-game hitting streak, during which he’s gone 15-for-36 (.417) with three home runs and 17 RBI.

Barrosa was a spark at the top of the lineup, slashing .346/.469/.654 against the Bees with two doubles, two home runs, and nine RBI. The switch-hitter has been a key offensive contributor this season, slashing .288/.373/.500 with a Pacific Coast League-leading eight doubles and 13 RBI.

Trey Mancini provided a steady presence in the lineup throughout the series, recording five multi-hit games, including a three-hit showing in the opener. The 33-year-old went 12-for-29 (.414) with six RBI and is currently riding an eight-game hitting streak, during which he’s batting .444 with three extra-base hits and one home run.

The Aces return to Greater Nevada Field on Tuesday, April 15, to host the Round Rock Express, the Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, for a six-game series. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 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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