Reno’s Playoff Hopes Continue with a Series Split against PCL-Leading Sugar Land

Reno, Nev. – In a likely Pacific Coast League Championship Series preview, the Reno Aces (39-29, 74-69) split their final road trip of the year against the Sugar Land Space Cowboys (41-27, 90-53) this past week at Constellation Field.

The Aces finished the series on a strong note, winning three consecutive matchups from Thursday to Saturday. Although they fell by a walk-off defeat on Sunday, their strong finish has REno in the driver's seat for post-season play with one week left in the regular season. The Aces have a three-game lead over Las Vegas with six games left.

Thursday’s 5-2 victory was highlighted by another dominant start on the mound by Tommy Henry. The southpaw limited the Space Cowboys to two runs across six frames with three walks and six punchouts en route to his ninth win. Tim Tawa provided a three-run big fly, his eighth of the year, to give Reno an early lead in the first inning. Jorge Barrosa followed that up with a two-RBI double in the second to close out the scoring for the Aces.

In Friday's 6-0 shutout victory, the Aces showcased their team effort by relying on their bullpen to finish the job. Konnor Pilkington started on the bump in a bullpen game, tossing 2 2/3 clean frames. The bullpen, including Joe Jacques, Jake Rice, Christian Montes De Oca, Jose Castillo, and Austin Pope, combined for 6 1/3 innings of work, securing the victory. Tim Tawa continued his hot streak with the bat, going 2-for-5 with a double and three RBI.

Andy Weber and Tawa delivered clutch home runs in Saturday’s 4-2 comeback win. Down in the seventh inning, Weber came through in a big way, crushing his first Triple-A home run for a two-run shot into right-center field to give the Aces the lead. Tawa came up in the eighth and smacked his third home run of the series for a much-needed insurance run to help put away Sugar Land. Humberto Castellanos continued to shove, earning his ninth win of the campaign after allowing two runs in six innings, walking one and striking out seven. The right-hander owns a 2.47 ERA with 33 strikeouts and 10 walks in his last eight appearances.

Tawa was a force to be reckoned with against Sugar Land, going 9-for-25 (.360) with three doubles, three home runs, and 10 RBI. Since his promotion to Triple-A Reno on August 20, the 25-year-old has been on fire, slashing .351/.321/.745 with 18 extra-base hits, nine home runs, 22 RBI, and nine walks. His performance will be crucial in the upcoming matchup against the Albuquerque Isotopes as Reno continues their playoff push.

The Aces return to Greater Nevada Field on September 17 to host the Albuquerque Isotopes, the Triple-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, with the first pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m. PT.

Single-game tickets are on sale at RenoAces.com, the Greater Nevada Field Ticket Office, or by texting “TIXX” to 21003. Season Memberships are available via RenoAces.com, texting “MEMBER” to 21003, or calling (775) 334-7000.

-ACES-