Smith Smacks Four Hits, Delivers Key Knock in Reno’s Fifth Straight Win Over El Paso 

Reno Aces 6, El Paso Chihuahuas 4

W: Amendt (1-2) L: Cruz(1-1) S: Hughes (1)

First pitch: 6:39 p.m. PST | Attendance: 6,987 | Time: 2:33

Southwest University Park – El Paso, Texas

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El Paso, TX – Pavin Smith smacked a full count, bases loaded go ahead single in the Reno Aces’ (25-18, 60-58) fifth straight win over the El Paso Chihuahuas (15-29, 46-73) Saturday night at Southwest University Park.

After a hot 3-0 start, Reno ran into a temporary buzzsaw in Chihuahuas’ reliever Omar Cruz. The lefty was coming off a dazzling week in Sugar Land where he tossed 11 2/3 innings of one run ball. He struck out seven of the first 11 he faced before Sergio Alcántara singled to right. Alek Thomas followed with another hit at 100 mph before Albert Almora loaded the bases with a walk. Smith then came through with a heroic base knock through the right side to take a 5-4 lead.

Almora, who entered with seven hits and four doubles in the series, obliterated a fastball in the first inning for his ninth homer of the year. The big fly traveled 427 feet and gave Reno an early 1-0 advantage. Almora ranks in the top six in the PCL in second half extra-base hits with 21.

PAVIN. SMITH. pic.twitter.com/Vms2D4NKpW

— Reno Aces (@Aces) August 18, 2024

Andrew Knizner added an insurance run late with his second homer while Reno’s bullpen continued to hold down the fort with an especially sturdy performance from José Castillo. The 6-foot-6 lefty hasn’t allowed a run in August, a span of seven innings with seven strikeouts. Austin Pope struck out two in a scoreless ninth.

Reno and El Paso will conclude their series Sunday night at 5:05 p.m. PST from Southwest University Park. Following the finale, Reno will host Las Vegas at Greater Nevada Field beginning Tuesday, August 20th at 6:35 p.m. PST.

Aces Notables

Albert Almora: 1-for-4, solo homer

Pavin Smith: 4-for-5, go ahead two run single

Kyle Amendt, José Castillo, Austin Pope, & Brandon Hughes: 3 2/3 IP, 0 ER, 4 K

The Reno Aces conclude their six-game series with the El Paso Chihuahuas, the Triple A affiliate of the San Diego Padres, Sunday at 5:05 p.m. PST from Southwest University Park. Following this road trip, the Aces return to Greater Nevada Field for a six-game series with the Las Vegas Aviators starting Tuesday, August 20th at 6:35 p.m. PST.

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.

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