The Las Vegas Aviators are headed back to the Pacific Coast League playoffs.
The Aviators officially clinched a postseason berth Saturday by securing the PCL’s first-half title, continuing one of the hottest stretches in Triple-A baseball.
Las Vegas enters Sunday’s first-half finale against Round Rock with a 44-28 record and a 1.5-game lead atop the Pacific Coast League West. The Aviators have won four straight games, using a potent offense and improved pitching to separate themselves from the rest of the division.
Saturday’s 10-6 victory over the Express capped another comeback effort and further solidified Las Vegas as one of the Pacific Coast League’s top clubs heading into the second half.
Meneses leads the charge
Much of the recent surge has been fueled by Joey Meneses, who has put together one of the best offensive stretches in Triple-A baseball.
The veteran slugger enters the final day of the first half leading the Pacific Coast League with a .347 batting average while also pacing the league with 75 RBIs. Over the past two weeks, Meneses has consistently delivered in key situations, helping anchor an Aviators lineup that ranks among the most dangerous in the minors.
Las Vegas has also received major contributions from Brett Harris, who is batting .336 with a .959 OPS, and Cade Marlowe, who continues to provide production at the top of the order while combining power, speed and defense.
Tommy White has emerged as another key piece during the club’s recent run. The former LSU standout homered in back-to-back games against Round Rock and drove in six runs during Thursday’s 26-13 victory.
Depth throughout the lineup
The Aviators’ offense has become difficult for opposing pitchers to navigate.
Joshua Kuroda-Grauer has spent much of the season among the Pacific Coast League’s batting leaders while providing steady production atop the lineup, and Darell Hernaiz has pushed his average above .320 while providing consistent production in the infield.
Brian Serven has supplied power from behind the plate, and Michael Stefanic continues to provide veteran stability throughout the lineup.
The result has been one of the deepest offensive groups in the Pacific Coast League, with multiple hitters producing at an All-Star level during the club’s climb to first place.
Home field secured
By winning the first half, the Aviators secured a spot in the 2026 Pacific Coast League Championship Series. They also earned home-field advantage for the best-of-three series, which begins Sept. 22 at Las Vegas Ballpark.
As a result, Las Vegas became the first Pacific Coast League club to clinch a postseason berth this season. The Aviators will host the League Championship Series in September.
Meanwhile, the playoff berth marks the franchise’s 13th postseason appearance. It also represents the organization’s second consecutive trip after winning the 2025 Pacific Coast League title.
Next, Las Vegas will wrap up the first half Sunday against Round Rock. Afterward, the Aviators will begin a season-long 12-game road trip with six games against Sacramento and six against Salt Lake.
Ultimately, the Aviators are chasing their second straight Pacific Coast League championship. They are also seeking the fourth title in franchise history.
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Dice City Sports editor Mark Hebert covers the Las Vegas Aces, 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.
