Reno Battles Silver State Rivals in Final Series of the Season with Playoff Berth Looming

Reno, Nev.: The Reno Aces (39-30, 83-61) and Las Vegas Aviators (40-29, 74-69) will jockey for playoff positioning in the regular season finale this week at Las Vegas Ballpark.

The Aces, Aviators, Round Rock Express, Albuquerque Isotopes, and Tacoma Rainiers remain in second-half contention heading into the final week. Reno finished the first half with a series sweep over the Isotopes, prompting hope for a postseason run down the stretch. After a slow start to the second half, the BLC Nine went 18-9 in August and veered back on track. The Aviators, meanwhile, have consistently fielded an overwhelming offense throughout the season. Las Vegas has a deep, veteran-laden lineup that aggressively attacks opposing pitching staffs. The Aces have won 10-of-18 matchups against the Aviators this season, including series victories on opening weekend and immediately out of the mid-season break.

The two explosive lineups played to a series split in their last meeting at Greater Nevada Field in late August. Reno leaned on the long ball and trotted out some of their most potent arrangements of the season, with Evan Longoria on MLB rehab, Jordan Lawlar making his Triple-A debut, and Emmanuel Rivera down from Arizona. Even with the promotions of those three stars, the Aces still have a very talented group of position players. Pavin Smith went 31-for-83 (.374) with six doubles, two triples, three homers, and 17 walks in 21 games between August 4th and 30th. Smith and Kyle Lewis are two of the best players in Minor League baseball, combining elite patience with massive power.

A few benefits of a non-competitive MLB team are the expanded opportunities for young players in the minors. The Oakland Athletics continue to look forward to succeeding Aviators. Jonah Bride, who has played nearly 100 games for the A’s over the last two years, is crushing for Las Vegas. Bride, former Aces standout Buddy Kennedy, and Cody Thomas form a dangerous heart of the order for Las Vegas. The Aviators are outstanding offensively both at home and on the road, but especially at Las Vegas Ballpark. This series could be another high-powered set, like the first one at Greater Nevada Field in late March.

Reno’s bullpen is unrecognizable from that thunderous opening weekend battle. Justin Martínez struggled early and is pitching very well in a high-leverage role. Martínez posted an incredible multi-month run of dominance from April to July. The flamethrowing right-hander allowed one earned run in 26 ⅓ innings (0.34 ERA) with 34 strikeouts in 23 outings. Manager Blake Lalli often relies on Martínez, José Ruiz, and Austin Pope to close down games. With an upper 90s fastball and hammer off-speed weapons, Ruiz has become a crucial part of Reno’s winning formula.

The series begins Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. PT from Las Vegas Ballpark. Thank you, Aces fans, for a fantastic season!

Season Memberships for the 2024 season are now available via RenoAces.com, texting "MEMBER" to 21003, or calling (775) 334-7000.

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