Aces Battle Space Cowboys for Pacific Coast League Title in Sugar Land

Reno, Nev. – The Reno Aces (44-30, 79-70) punched their ticket to the Pacific Coast League Playoffs after coming out on top in the second half of the 2024 season. Reno will now go head-to-head with the Sugar Land Space Cowboys (44-30, 93-56) at Constellation Field in a three-game series for the PCL crown from September 24-26.

The Aces have been a force to be reckoned with, emerging as one of the most dominant offensive teams in the PCL this season. They led the league in batting average (.286), hits (1490), and total bases (1290), showcasing their prowess on the field. With a team batting average of .286/.364/.475, they hit 198 home runs and 871 RBI, setting the stage for an electrifying showdown.

On the contrary, the Space Cowboys were by far the best squad on the mound, topping the PCL in team ERA (4.42) while surrendering the least amount of runs (722). Sugar Lands bullpen collected a league-best 50 saves and 102 holds with a 4.24 ERA. Their starting rotation was a powerhouse, posting a 4.60 ERA with 636 punchouts.

The Aces should expect to see the Space Cowboys’ three-headed monster in RHP Ryan Gusto, RHP A.J. Blubaugh, and LHP Colton Gordon. Sugar Lands’ distinguished trio finished in the top three in ERA among qualified hurlers.

Gusto, a right-hander drafted in the eleventh round of the 2019 MLB draft, was undoubtedly the most decorated pitcher in the league this season as he led the Pacific Coast League in ERA (3.70) and strikeouts (141) while ranking second in innings pitched (148.1), batting-average-against (.242), and WHIP (1.27). The Santa Rosa native was solid in two starts against the Aces this season, surrendering five runs across 11 2/3 frames with eight strikeouts and just one walk. He finished the 2024 campaign posting a 1.85 ERA with 21 punchouts in 24 1/3 innings in September and will look to drive that momentum into the playoffs.

Blubaugh, the #9 overall prospect in Houston’s system, recorded a league-leading nine wins this season. The righty placed top five in multiple notable statistics, including ERA (3.83 – 2nd in PCL), strikeouts (128 – 4th in PCL), and WHIP (1.35 – 4th in PCL). Reno has been one of few teams to tag onto Blubaugh this season as he posted a 10.80 ERA against the BLC-Nine, allowing 12 runs in 10 innings of work (three appearances) with 11 strikeouts and six walks. However, the 24-year-old has been hot lately, going 4-1 with a 2.67 ERA and 41 strikeouts in his last six outings.

Gordon, the Astro’s #11 overall prospect, also led the PCL in multiple categories. The southpaw ranked atop qualifying pitchers in WHIP (1.22) and batting average against (.238) while working a 3.94 ERA, good for 3rd in the league behind his teammates. Out of Sugar Land’s top three arms, the Aces had the most trouble against Gordon. In two starts, the Central Florida alumnus held Reno to two runs through 11 innings, punching out eight and surrendering two free bases. Gordon has recently looked at his best, registering a 1.62 ERA with 47 strikeouts in his last seven games while earning the PCL Pitcher of the Week twice over that span. The former eighth-round pick should be considered a top threat to the Ace’s success.

For a team featuring arguably the three best pitchers in the league, the Aces hit well against Sugar Land in 2024, slashing .277/.368/.442 with 37 extra-base hits, 16 home runs, 67 RBI, and 55 walks.

Tim Tawa was the defining factor in the Aces lineup in Reno’s previous meeting with Sugar Land. The super-utility man was red-hot, going 9-for-25 (.360) with three doubles, three home runs, and 10 RBI in the series. He notably roped home runs off Sugar Land’s top arms in Blubaugh and Gordon. The 25-year-old has mashed for the Aces since his promotion to Reno on August 20, slashing .340/.419/.717 with 10 round-trippers and 24 RBI in 28 games. Since then, he has led the league in total bases (76). Tawa will be essential in Reno’s lineup as the BLC-Nine heads to Sugar Land for the Pacific Coast League Championship.

Bryson Brigman, the PCL’s 2024 batting title winner, enjoyed hitting against the Space Cowboys this season, going 11-for-32 (.344) with three extra-base hits in 10 games. The infielder had a significant role in the Ace’s second-half success, leading the team in hits (73) while hitting .335/.385/.482 with seven home runs and 47 RBI. The San Diego product has been on fire since the beginning of August, leading the PCL in AVG (.390), OBP (.442), and hits (55). Brigman will look to continue his miraculous breakout season as the Aces enter the playoffs.

The Aces will kick off the Pacific Coast League Championship Series against the Sugar Land Space Cowboys, the Triple-A affiliate of the Houston Astros, at Constellation Field on Tuesday, September 24. The first pitch is scheduled for 5:05 p.m. PT.

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