Aviators ride Morris shutout, win 3-0 in Tacoma

The Aviators did not need much offense Sunday afternoon. Three runs in the sixth inning proved to be all they would need in a 3-0 win over Tacoma at Cheney Stadium, securing the series victory and improving to 18-13 on the season.

Las Vegas collected 11 hits but had to wait until the middle innings to break through against Randy Dobnak. Once they did, the pitching made sure it held.

Perez cuts one down

The game’s biggest defensive moment came in the fifth.

With runners on the corners and nobody out, Tacoma looked poised to score. Victor Labrada lifted a fly ball to right field, but Junior Perez delivered a perfect throw to the plate. Brian Serven applied the tag to erase Brian O’Keefe and preserve the scoreless tie. Instead of trailing, the Aviators escaped the inning untouched.

It was a turning point.

Sixth-inning breakthrough

Las Vegas finally broke through in the sixth. Bryan Lavastida singled to open the frame, and Joey Meneses reached on a fielding error that allowed Lavastida to advance.

Serven followed with a sharp single to score the game’s first run. After a sacrifice bunt moved the runners into scoring position, Drew Swift delivered the decisive swing, grounding a two-run single to short that made it 3-0.

Swift finished with two RBI, while Serven added two hits and an RBI. Tommy White and Henry Bolte each recorded two hits as the lineup continued its strong road stretch.

Morris in command

Kade Morris turned in one of his best outings of the year. The right-hander worked seven shutout innings, allowing five hits while striking out six and walking one. He improved to 3-1 with a 3.76 ERA.

Brooks Kriske handled the eighth with two strikeouts, and Michael Kelly closed the ninth for his first save of the season, completing the five-hit shutout.

Tacoma went 0 for 4 with runners in scoring position and left seven on base.

Up next

The Aviators return home Tuesday to open a six-game homestand against the St. Paul Saints at Las Vegas Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. PT as Las Vegas looks to build on its first-place standing in the PCL West.