The Aviators opened their six-game road trip with a 4-3 win over Tacoma on Tuesday night at Cheney Stadium. The go-ahead run came in the ninth inning as Las Vegas improved to 27-23.
Power Sets the Tone
Las Vegas struck first in the third inning. Michael Stefanic lined a two-out single to center that scored Joshua Kuroda-Grauer for a 1-0 lead.
Then the bats went deep.
Joey Meneses led off the fourth with his eighth home run of the season. Moments later, Brian Serven followed with a solo shot of his own. As a result, the Aviators built a 3-0 cushion.
Meneses continues to rank among the Pacific Coast League leaders in home runs and RBIs. He now has 45 RBIs on the season and remains one of the league’s most consistent run producers.
Meanwhile, Henry Bolte leads the PCL in home runs. However, with Bolte currently in Oakland, Meneses has become the Aviators’ primary power source. He finished 2-for-5 with a homer and a double.
Tacoma Pushes Back
However, Tacoma answered in the bottom of the fourth.
Brian O’Keefe drove in a run with a single. Then Colin Davis tied the game with a two-run homer off Ben Bowden.
After that inning, the Aviators’ bullpen took control. Geoff Hartlieb entered in the sixth and delivered three scoreless innings. He allowed three hits and struck out one.
The Decisive Ninth
With the game tied entering the ninth, Drew Swift drew a leadoff walk. He then stole second to move into scoring position.
After a strikeout, Kuroda-Grauer worked a walk to put two runners aboard. Stefanic followed with a single to right that scored Swift. Additionally, a fielding error by Brennen Davis allowed Kuroda-Grauer to advance to third.
That proved to be the difference.
Stefanic finished 2-for-5 with two RBIs as Las Vegas totaled nine hits.
Closing It Out
Hartlieb earned his second win of the season. Finally, Michael Kelly recorded his second save by working around two singles in the ninth before inducing a flyout to center to end the game.
Up Next
The series continues Wednesday at Cheney Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. PT.
Tacoma is expected to start right-hander Randy Dobnak (3-4, 5.09 ERA). The Aviators have not announced a starter.
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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.
