Las Vegas Aviators News: July 19 - July 25, 2024

The Las Vegas Aviators, the Triple-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics, have had a mixed bag of results over the past week in the Pacific Coast League. While they have shown flashes of brilliance, their overall performance has been inconsistent, leaving them with a record of 2-6 and 3.5 games behind in the PCL West.

Notable Performers

One of the bright spots for the Aviators has been the performance of Max Muncy. Muncy has been making contact at a high rate, with only four strikeouts in 28 plate appearances. His whiff rate of 21.7% is also an encouraging sign. Brett Harris has led the team in hits, while Esteury Ruiz has been impressive with his speed, swiping six bases in just five games. Tyler Soderstrom has also had a strong start, hitting three home runs and consistently making hard contact.

Struggles on the Mound

On the other hand, the Aviators' pitching has been a concern. Joey Estes has struggled, giving up six home runs in his last start and posting an ERA of 9.64. The team as a whole has allowed 14 home runs this season, with Estes responsible for six of those.

Upcoming Schedule

The Aviators will look to turn their season around with a series of home games at Las Vegas Ballpark. They will host the Reno Aces in a seven-game homestand from April 30 to May 5, followed by a six-game series against the Salt Lake Bees from June 11 to 16.

Managerial Milestone

In a positive note, Manager Fran Riordan has reached a significant milestone, becoming Las Vegas' all-time leader in managerial wins with 324 victories. The team celebrated this achievement, recognizing Riordan's dedication and success.

Finn's Farewell

In a heartwarming moment, the Aviators bid farewell to Finn, their beloved bat dog. Finn officially retired from his duties, leaving behind a legacy of joy and entertainment for the fans.

As the Aviators move forward, they will need to address their pitching woes and capitalize on the strong performances from their top hitters. With a busy schedule ahead, they have the opportunity to turn their season around and make a push for the top of the PCL West standings.