Aces Can't Crack Aviators' Pitching, Fall 7-3 in Game Three

August 17, 2023 - Pacific Coast League (PCL)
Reno Aces News Release

Reno, NV - The Reno Aces (22-20, 66-51) mustered two hits in their first 22 at-bats in a 7-3 loss to the Las Vegas Aviators (26-16, 60-56) Thursday night at Greater Nevada Field.

Aviators starter Joey Estes stymied the Aces for 5 2/3 innings. Estes, at just 21 years old, struck out six Reno hitters in a fantastic outing. The Aces trotted out a stellar lineup featuring Evan Longoria as their designated hitter on Major League rehab. Estes was unfazed, rolling through the BLC Nine until a snag in the fourth. Jake McCarthy grounded out to second with the bases loaded to score Jordan Lawlar for Reno's first run.

Reno strung together another bases loaded threat down 7-1 in the seventh on two walks and an error. Dominic Fletcher drew another free pass to score Reno's second run. It was Fletcher's sixth walk of the series and it extended the rally for Lawlar, who delivered a run scoring sacrifice fly, inching the Aces closer. Emmanuel Rivera led off the eighth with Reno's first hit since the fourth.

In a frustrating offensive night, the Aces went 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position and tallied just 28 at-bats overall. Austin Pope fired two scoreless innings out of the bullpen with four strikeouts and no walks. Pope lowered his ERA to 2.16 with another excellent showing. The Aces and Aviators continue their series Friday night at 6:35 p.m. PT from Greater Nevada Field.

Aces Notables:

- Austin Pope: 2.0 IP, 0 R/ER, 4 K

The Aces will continue their six-game series with the Las Vegas Aviators, the Triple-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics, Friday night at Greater Nevada Field. First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m.

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.

Pacific Coast League Stories from August 17, 2023

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• Albuquerque Wins Over El Paso, 9-5 - El Paso Chihuahuas
• Salt Lake Takes Third Straight - Salt Lake Bees
• Round Rock Rallies to Take Down Space Cowboys - Sugar Land Space Cowboys
• Aces Can't Crack Aviators' Pitching, Fall 7-3 in Game Three - Reno Aces
• Express Win Streak at Nine After Topping Space Cowboys 6-3 - Round Rock Express
• Tacoma Rainiers Game Notes: at Sacramento (6:45 PT) - Tacoma Rainiers
• OKC Dodgers Game Notes - August 17, 2023 - Oklahoma City Comets
• Sacramento Scores Early, Often in Win Over Tacoma - Sacramento River Cats
• Rainiers Lose for Only Fourth Time in 19 Games - Tacoma Rainiers
• Chihuahuas Obliterate Isotopes, 20-7 - Albuquerque Isotopes
• Reno's Offense Grounded by Las Vegas in 4-3 Loss - Reno Aces
• Chihuahuas Win, 20-7, Over Isotopes - El Paso Chihuahuas
• Sugar Land Rally in Ninth Falls Just Short in Close Loss to Express - Sugar Land Space Cowboys
• Round Rock Comes from Behind to Take Down Sugar Land - Round Rock Express
• Bees Down Dodgers, 6-2 - Oklahoma City Comets

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