The Aviators grabbed the lead in the second inning when Cade Marlowe turned on a Gabe Mosser fastball and sent it 365 feet to right field. The solo shot, his second of the season, gave Las Vegas a 1-0 edge in what quickly became a pitchers’ duel.
Las Vegas managed just five hits on the night, but that swing gave them breathing room in a game where runs were at a premium.
Estes in control
Joey Estes delivered his sharpest outing of the road trip. The right-hander worked six innings, allowing two hits and one run while striking out six and walking one on 87 pitches.
His only mistake came in the seventh when Rhylan Thomas lifted a solo homer to right field, cutting the lead to 2-1. Until then, Tacoma had little answer. Estes improved to 1-3 with the win.
Manufacturing the margin
The Aviators created their insurance run the old-fashioned way in the seventh. Joey Meneses singled and moved into scoring position before Junior Perez lifted a sacrifice fly to center, bringing him home for what proved to be the decisive run.
It was not flashy, but it was enough.
Bullpen slams the door
Once Thomas’ homer ended Estes’ night, the bullpen took over and never blinked.
Geoff Hartlieb struck out two in a scoreless seventh. Matt Krook followed with a clean eighth, punching out two more. Tyler Ferguson handled the ninth, retiring the side to secure his first save of the season.
Tacoma finished with just two hits and left only one runner on base all night.
Las Vegas has now won four straight and improved to 16-11. The series continues Thursday with Daulton Morales scheduled to face Rainiers left-hander Díaz at Cheney Stadium.
Up Next: Morales on the bump
The Aviators continue their six-game set in Tacoma on Thursday night at Cheney Stadium. Right-hander Daulton Morales (0-1, 8.76 ERA) is scheduled to start for Las Vegas against Rainiers left-hander Díaz (2-3, 6.23 ERA).
First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. local time as the Aviators look to extend their four-game winning streak.
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Dice City Sports editor Mark Hebert covers the Vegas Golden Knights, Las Vegas Raiders, Athletics, and UNLV baseball and softball. He has 24 years of journalism experience, is also a senior reporter at Exhibit City News, and previously covered the Dallas Stars and Texas Rangers. Follow him on X or connect on LinkedIn.
