PCL Reno Aces

Smith & Sánchez Crush Crucial Homers, Aces Defeat Express 2-1

Published on July 20, 2023 under Pacific Coast League (PCL)
Reno Aces News Release


Round Rock, TX - Pavin Smith and Ali Sánchez each mashed key homers to help the Reno Aces (9-9, 53-40) to a tight 2-1 victory over the Round Rock Express (12-6, 56-36) Thursday night at Dell Diamond.

Blake Walston gave the Aces a great chance to win in his 19th start of the season. Walston twirled six innings of one run ball against a red hot Express lineup, striking out three and allowing just two hits. The 22-year-old lefty is 5.4 years younger than his average competition and leads qualified Aces starters in ERA (4.63).

Reno rode an ugly 18 inning scoreless streak into the sixth, a stretch spanning back to Tuesday's series opener. Smith ended the drought with a game-tying solo homer to knot the contest at one. It was the perfect time for Smith's first Triple-A home run of the season, an opposite field shot on the first pitch.

Sánchez got in on the power party with a blast of his own in the seventh, this time giving the Aces a 2-1 lead. Sánchez raised his batting average to .304 with a 3-for-3 showing. Reno leaned on its bullpen for the final nine outs, with Stephen Nogosek, Andrew Saalfrank, and Zach McAllister posting scoreless frames to secure the 2-1 victory and a 2-1 series lead.

The Aces and Express continue their six-game set Friday night at 5:05 p.m. PT at Dell Diamond.

Aces Notables:

- Ali Sánchez: 3-for-3, HR, R, RBI, BB

- Pavin Smith: 2-for-4, HR, R, RBI

- Blake Walston: 6.0 IP, 1 ER, 3 K

- Stephen Nogosek: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R/ER, K

- Andrew Saalfrank: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R/ER, K

- Zach McAllister: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R/ER

The Aces will return home next week for a six-game series with the Oklahoma City Dodgers, the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. First pitch is 6:35 p.m. on Tuesday, July 25th.

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.

Check out the Reno Aces Statistics

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Pacific Coast League Stories from July 20, 2023


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