The Las Vegas Aviators finished their longest road trip of the season with a statement Sunday afternoon. They beat Reno 7–1 at Greater Nevada Field to secure a 4–3 series win and move within two games of first place in the Pacific Coast League West.
With the victory, Las Vegas improved to 23–20 and kept steady pressure on division-leading Sacramento (25-18).
Estes in Command
From the outset, Joey Estes controlled the tempo. The right-hander worked 6.1 scoreless innings, allowing just three hits while striking out six. He threw 70 of his 99 pitches for strikes and consistently got ahead in the count.
Although he issued two walks, Estes never allowed Reno to mount a serious threat. In fact, no runner advanced past second base against him. After he exited, Matt Krook stranded two inherited runners in the seventh. Luis Morales then handled the final two innings to close it out.
As a result, Estes earned his second win of the season and lowered his ERA to 4.74. Reno’s only run came in the ninth on a double by Christian Cerda.
Fifth-Inning Breakthrough
The game shifted decisively in the fifth inning. At that point, Las Vegas erupted for six runs and sent 10 men to the plate.
First, Tommy White delivered an RBI single that forced a throwing error and scored Brayan Buelvas. Then Joey Meneses followed with a run-scoring single to extend the lead. Moments later, Jared Dickey lined a two-run single to right field to make it 5–0.
Soon after, Chad Wallach added an RBI double to center. Finally, Buelvas capped the rally with another RBI single. By the end of the inning, the Aviators held a commanding 7–0 advantage.
Contributions Across the Lineup
Offensively, the production was balanced and persistent. All nine starters recorded at least one hit, and the club finished with 14 overall. Buelvas led the way with a 3-for-4 performance and an RBI. Meanwhile, Meneses and White each collected two hits, and Dickey drove in two runs. Wallach contributed a double and an RBI.
Additionally, Las Vegas capitalized on Reno’s defensive miscues. The Aces committed four errors, which helped extend several rallies. The Aviators also went 7-for-14 with runners in scoring position, consistently converting opportunities.
After splitting the first six games of the series, Las Vegas closed strong. The Aviators outscored Reno 18–6 over the final two contests to claim the set outright.
Up Next
The Aviators are off Monday before returning home Tuesday to open a six-game series against the Albuquerque Isotopes at 7:05 p.m. PT at Las Vegas Ballpark. Albuquerque enters at 25–20 and leads the PCL East.
Probable pitchers have not yet been announced.
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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.
