Tim Parsons / Tahoe Onstage file
Shortstop Ildemaro Vargas holds the remaining streak for the Reno Aces.
Vargas’ ninth inning triple brought his hitting streak up to 29 games in a 13-3 loss to the Colorado Springs Sky Sox Friday night at Greater Nevada Field. The loss snapped a season-high seven-game win streak for the Aces.
Vargas’ hit streak is the longest in the Pacific Coast League. He’s batting .375 (48-for-128), with 21 runs scored, 10 doubles and 11 RBIs. Vargas and former Aces Jake Elmore, Tony Abreu, Chris Owings and Ketel Marte as the only players in team history with hitting streaks of 20 games or more.
Vargas earned his second big-league call-up with the Arizona Diamondbacks on July 27, but he didn’t make an appearance and was sent back down to Reno July 28. His “short stop” with the Dbacks hasn’t interrupted his historic year in the Biggest Little City.
The Aces outscored their opponents 47 to 34 during their seven-game win streak and allowed two or more runs just three times. Reno is 57-54 this season and stand in second place in the PCL’s Pacific Northern Division. They are six games behind the Fresno Grizzlies.
Following a four-game sweep of the Round Rock Express, the Aces made some transactions, including two subtractions at the plate and on the mound.
Left fielder Cesar Puello was released on Aug. 1. Puello’s exit may come as a surprise to some. His .425 on-base percentage ranks fourth in the PCL. Puello often showcased a good eye at the plate, as well. He lead the Aces with 35 walks this season. Puello signed a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants and was assigned to their Triple-A affiliate Sacramento River Cats.
Pitcher Anthony Vasquez was released on Aug. 2. The southpaw sported a 7-4 record and 5.57 ERA with the Aces this season. Vasquez wasn’t known for his velocity during his time with Reno. His fastball touched 84-mph fastball to go along with a 79-mph change-up. Vasquez has yet to sign with another team.
The Dbacks promoted outfielder Jamie Westbrook to Reno. Westbrook, 23, hit .289 in 104 games with Double-A Jackson. Westbrook packs quite the punch in his 5-foot, 9-inch frame. He launched a pair of home runs and collected three RBIs in Friday’s loss.
Reno will cap-off a seven-game home stand against the Oklahoma City Dodgers Aug. 4-7. Afterward, they will travel to in-state rival Las Vegas in a four-game series. From there, the Aces will return home August 13 to face Sacramento.
Mets land Jack Reinheimer: Jack Reinheimer was designated for assignment on July 27. He was claimed by the New York Mets Aug. 1. Reinheimer will join forces with former Aces teammate Zach Borenstein on the Las Vegas 51’s. Reinheimer played 311 games with Reno and tallied 323 hits. He ends his Aces career as the third-longest tenured player in franchise history.
Notes: Since May 4, Kevin Cron leads the PCL with 79 RBIs. … The Aces have won seven consecutive games for the first time since July 16-22 ,2016. Reno is 15-6 after the All-Star break.
— Isaiah Burrows
