The Aces’ Playoff Push Continues with Salt Lake’s Visit in the Final Homestand of the 2023 Season 

Reno, Nev. – The Reno Aces (34-28, 79-59) welcome the Salt Lake Bees (27-36, 64-73) to Greater Nevada Field this week for their final home series of the 2023 season. The Aces have won 10 of 12 games against the Bees this season with a +33-run differential. While Salt Lake’s playoff hopes have dashed, Reno remains in the mix in the second-half standings after a road series win in Albuquerque.

The BLC Nine hosted Salt Lake not long ago and beat them down, taking five of six games in the middle of August. Kyle Lewis went a remarkable 10-for-18 with two homers, 10 runs driven in, and three walks in the series. Lewis is among the best hitters in Minor League Baseball and was heroic on a Marvel Saturday night in the last meeting, delivering the swing of the series late. With the bases loaded and the game tied in the bottom of the seventh, Lewis belted the first pitch to left center to clear the bases and blow the game open. The former American League Rookie of the Year drove in five runs in the series-clinching win.

While the Aces remain lethal in their lineup, the group looks altered from just one month ago. Pavin Smith joined the Diamondbacks as rosters expanded, and Dominic Fletcher went on the 60-day injured list, ending his season. Fletcher showcased an incredibly memorable performance against the Bees on August 11th. The former Arkansas Razorback went 4-for-4 with three doubles, a homer, and two walks. Through the first four games of the set, the dynamic outfielder went 9-for-16 with five doubles, two homers, and four walks. Reno certainly misses one of their best and most productive players.

The next-man-up mentality is a staple for the Aces this season. Jake McCarthy has uniquely filled the vaunted leadoff spot, winning PCL Player of the Week after Reno’s last home series win against El Paso. McCarthy went 14-for-32 with five doubles, a triple, and a homer in an incredible set. McCarthy, Jordan Lawlar, and Lewis continued to thump from the heart of the order early last week in Albuquerque. Lawlar launched two homers in a crucial series-opening win over the Isotopes. The global top 10 prospect showed off his immense power, speed, and athleticism in his short time at Triple-A before a mid-week promotion to Arizona.

Reno’s rotation is perhaps as sturdy as it's been all season. Slade Cecconi and Blake Walston front a deep, talented group. Cecconi returns to Greater Nevada Field after an extended stay with Arizona, where he posted a 2.57 ERA in his first five appearances as a hybrid weapon for the Diamondbacks. Cecconi allowed six runs to Baltimore before the option and remains one of the most exciting young arms in the organization. The Bees had some trouble with Walston last time out as the lefty fired six scoreless innings with two strikeouts, five walks, and one hit allowed.

As the Los Angeles Angels plummet further out of the American League playoff hunt, the Bees continue to promote players to the majors. Trey Cabbage, a deafening force in the first series at GNF, is getting another opportunity in the big leagues. Cabbage went 9-for-24 with a double, three homers, and 10 driven in against Aces pitching in mid-August. Michael Stefanic (PCL average leader) and Kenny Rosenberg (top five in PCL in strikeouts) have been up and down from Anaheim as the season winds down. This series provides a chance for the Aces to get into first place before the final road trip to Las Vegas.

The series begins Tuesday at 6:35 p.m. PT from Greater Nevada Field.

Tickets are available for the final home set at www.RenoAces.com or by texting TIXX to 21003. The Aces complete their season in Las Vegas against the Aviators from Tuesday, September 19th to Sunday, September 24th. Thank you for a fantastic season!

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