Aviators fall 10-4 in Reno as seventh-inning spiral decides it

The Las Vegas Aviators saw their three-game winning streak snapped Friday night, falling 10-4 to the Reno Aces at Greater Nevada Field.

Reno struck quickly and never trailed. A leadoff triple by Kristian Robinson in the first set the tone, and Anderdson Rojas followed with an RBI double. Moments later, LuJames Groover lifted a sacrifice fly to make it 2-0 before the Aviators recorded their third out.

Las Vegas answered in the third. Brett Harris singled and Drew Swift walked, setting the stage for Bryan Lavastida. The catcher drilled a two-run double to left, tying the game at 2-2 and briefly quieting the crowd.

However, Reno reclaimed control in the bottom half. Rojas doubled again, and a throwing error by Euribiel Angeles allowed a run to score. Tommy Troy added an RBI groundout, pushing the Aces back in front, 4-2.

Missed Chances, Mounting Pressure

The Aviators had opportunities but could not cash in consistently. They went 2-for-7 with runners in scoring position and struck out 12 times.

Meanwhile, Reno executed. The Aces finished 6-for-12 with runners in scoring position and repeatedly pressured Las Vegas pitching.

Joey Estes kept the game within reach early. The right-hander allowed four runs, two earned, across five innings. He walked one and struck out four. Still, Reno’s lineup continued to apply pressure as the game moved into the middle innings.

Seventh-Inning Spiral

The game broke open in the seventh.

After a leadoff single and walk, Reno loaded the bases. Groover delivered a two-run single to center. Then Troy singled to load them again. Jacob Amaya followed with a bases-clearing triple to right-center, stretching the lead to 9-2.

An RBI groundout by Ivan Melendez capped the six-run frame and made it 10-2.

Although Las Vegas showed life in the eighth, the deficit proved too large. Swift walked and Lavastida doubled again. Colby Thomas brought home a run on a groundout, and Michael Stefanic added a sacrifice fly. Nevertheless, the rally stalled at 10-4.

Lavastida led the offense with two doubles and two RBI. Harris collected two hits, while Swift scored twice and reached base three times. Defensively, Junior Perez and Thomas each recorded outfield assists, cutting down runners at home and preventing further damage early.

Up Next

The Aviators continue their six-game series in Reno on Saturday night at Greater Nevada Field. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. PT.

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