Tacoma Rainiers Team – Series Preview (May 24 – 27)
The Aces return home Friday after playing an 8-game road trip. Reno will host the visiting Tacoma Rainiers for a 4-game set over Memorial Day weekend. Entering Thursday (May 23), Tacoma leads the Pacific Coast League Pacific North division with a 29-18 (.617) record, and hold a 1.5 game lead over second place Colorado Springs. The Rainiers are currently riding a 5-game winning streak, and are 7-3 in their last 10 games played.
Second basemen Nick Franklin leads his team in hitting with a .318 average (41-for-129). Third basemen Alex Liddi paces the Rainiers in home runs with 8 long balls in 45 games played. Catcher Mike Zunino entered the 2013 season as the top-ranked prospect in the Seattle Mariners organization, and currently has 7 home runs and 35 RBI in 127 at bats.
Tacoma’s pitching staff is led by another top-flight prospect in LHP Danny Hultzen. In 4 starts, Hultzen has amassed a 3-1 record with a 2.78 ERA. According to Baseball America, Hultzen entered the 2013 campaign as the No. 3 rated prospect in the Mariners organization.
Aces In The Cards Vol. 2
As a new feature this season, Not Just Baseball…Aceball will look at the Reno Aces within the baseball card industry. All the oddest, visually striking, and valuable cards for some of your favorite Aces players will be showcased each month. This month, we take a look at INF Matt Davidson, INF Chris Owings, and OF Alfredo Marte.
Matt Davidson
This a rare card of Davidson, as it features an autograph, and a photo from the 2008 Aflac All-American High School Baseball Game. Limited to only 206 copies, this on-card autographed card is a rare find for Davidson collectors.
Along with baseball cards featuring the player in their high school uniform, finding cards in Minor League uniforms also presents a tough find for collectors. Featured in the D-backs’ Double-A Mobile BayBears uniform, this card offers another unique offering for Davidson collectors.
Chris Owings
Similar to the BayBears card of Davidson, this piece includes a picture of Chris Owings while he played for the Visalia Rawhide. Another thing that jumps out at the viewer is clearly the piece of game-used jersey that sits on the left-hand side. Baseball cards began including pieces of game-used jerseys and bats in the late 1990s, and became an instant hit with collectors. The ability for a collector to physically tough a piece of jersey offers a unique experience that was previously unavailable within the industry.
Alfredo Marte
In the first edition of “Aces In The Cards” we featured a similar card of Tyler Skaggs, which also featured a piece of memorabilia from the MLB All-Star Futures Game. This card of OF Alfredo Marte contains once piece of game-used jersey, and is limited to under 200 copies. Considering that the Futures Game is a one-time event each year, these cards that feature memorabilia from the event are certainly rare, and attractive to buyers.
Girls’ Night Out at Aces Ballpark!
Ladies, this one is for you, grab the girls and head to the ballpark for Girls Night Out on Saturday, June 1st!
For $28 your package includes an Infield Premium or Sports Bar ticket, a commemorative wine glass, and you can participate in a pre-game wine tasting! Questions? Call Adam Kincaid at the Aces Front Office at (775) 334-7009.
Happy Birthday Joe Paterson!
LHP Joe Paterson is celebrating his 27th birthday today!
This year is Paterson’s third season in the D-backs’ organization, after spending 4 seasons in the Giants’ farm system (2007-10). In 2011, Paterson established an Arizona club record with 19 consecutive scoreless outings (10.0 IP) to begin his career.
Last season, Paterson spent the majority of the season with Reno, going 2-2 with 2 saves and a 4.15 ERA (20 ER in 43.1 IP) in 48 games. He also appeared in 6 games with the D-backs. In 2011, he went 0-3 with a 2.91 ERA (11 ER in 34.0 IP) and 1 save in 62 relief appearances with Arizona, and became the first Rule 5 selection to make the D-backs’ Opening Day roster.
Paterson looks to have a successful season in Triple-A Reno this year, and everyone within the Aces family wishes him a very happy 27th birthday!
Aces Accepting Volunteer Applications For Triple-A All-Star Game
The Reno Aces are accepting applications for approximately 60 volunteer positions for the 2013 Triple-A All-Star festivities, the club announced today.
Opportunities for volunteers include the All-Star FanFest brought to you by Reno Tahoe USA, Reno-Tahoe International Airport greeters and Harrah’s hotel registration hosts. Chosen candidates will have the opportunity to meet and greet some of the top executives and players from around Minor League Baseball, as well as help stage one of the most exciting events in Northern Nevada this summer.
Volunteers are needed from Friday, July 12, through Thursday, July 18, and each volunteer must commit to at least three shifts during that period.
Interested applicants must be 18 years of age or older by June 30, 2013. The application materials must be submitted in their entirety by June 14. Applications can be found online at www.RenoAces.com, under the “Employment Opportunities” section. Completed applications can be mailed to Aces Ballpark, ATTN: Volunteer, or can be dropped off in person at the Reno Aces Security Office.
All applicants will be notified of their status by June 21, and selected candidates will be required to attend a mandatory orientation session on the evening of July 9.
Volunteers will receive a volunteer jersey, credential, lanyard, FanFest tickets, future Aces tickets and a volunteer event.
Tickets for this homestand, and all Reno Aces home games, are on-sale now at RenoAces.com, by calling 334-7000 or visiting the Aces Ballpark Ticket Office. Discounted full and partial season ticket packages are still available. With reserved seating for the Triple-A All-Star Game, brought to you by Dolan Auto Group, sold out, fans can only reserve a seat for the Game through purchase of an Aces ticket plan. For up-to-date news and notes throughout the season, visit www.RenoAces.com, follow the club on Twitter (@aceball) or like the team on Facebook.
Round Rock Express Team – Series Preview (May 20 – 23)
The Reno Aces will close out their upcoming 8-game road-trip in Round Rock, TX against the Texas Rangers Triple-A affiliate. In the all-time series against Round Rock, the Aces hold an 8-8 (.500) record, which includes a 4-4 (.500) mark at The Dell Diamond. Last season, Reno went 1-3 (.250) against the Express. The upcoming 4-game set between May 20 and May 23 will be the only time the two teams will meet in 2013.
Round Rock enters today (May 15) with a 20-19 overall record and are tied for 3rd-place in the Pacific Coast League American South division. Currently, the Express are in the midst of a 4-game losing streak.
The Express have the highest total attendance in the league up to this point, with 144,162 coming through the turnstiles (average of 7,208 fans per game).
Round Rock INF Jurickson Profar, highlights the Express roster, as he entered the 2013 campaign ranked the No. 1 rated prospect in the Texas organization according to Baseball America. Entering today’s play, Profar is hitting .250 (33-for-132) with 2 HR, 14 RBI, and 6 SB.
Albuquerque Isotopes Team – Series Preview (May 16 – 19)
After completing an 8-game homestand yesterday, the Reno Aces will hit the road tomorrow for 8 games against PCL American South opponents. Up first will be a 4-game trip to Albuquerque. The Albuquerque Isotopes are currently in second place in the American South division (20-19 overall, 3.5 games behind first). The Isotopes have fared well at Isotopes Park, possessing a 12-8 record at home. The hometown crowd has continued to turn out in large numbers this season, as they’ve averaged 7,082 fans a game (3rd-best in PCL).
The Isotopes come in to the series as one of the most balanced teams in the league. Albuquerque’s .289 team batting average is 3rd-best, and their 4.00 team earned running average ranks 5th-best in the league.
OF Nick Buss leads his team in HR (7), and RBI (22), while hitting .300 (33-for-110). Highlighting the Isotopes pitching staff is a slew of dominant relievers. Chris Withrow (0.66), Steve Ames (0.69), and Kelvin De La Cruz (1.98) all enter the series with stellar numbers out of the bullpen.
This 4-game series will be the only time these two teams meet this season. In the all-time series against Albuquerque, the Aces are 4-12 (.250), which includes 2-6 (.250) at Isotopes Park. In each of the last 4 seasons against the Isotopes, Reno has amassed a 1-3 (.250) record each year.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Everyone at the Reno Aces would like to wish everyone a Happy Mother’s Day!
Wherever you may be, take time and thank your Mom for everything that she does for you. Treat her to a nice lunch, or even take her to the ballpark for some baseball!
D-backs Organizational Report
With the 2013 Reno Aces season in full swing, Not Just Baseball…Aceball takes a look at the other Arizona Diamondbacks affiliates, and how they’re faring so far this year.
Double-A Mobile BayBears
Mobile currently stand at 15-17 (.469), and sit in fourth place in the Southern League division. The BayBears trail the division leading Mississippi Braves by 5.5 games.
Outfielder Ender Inciarte paces the Mobile hitters with a .312 batting average. Infielders Nick Evans and Jon Griffin are tied for the team lead in home runs, with 3 a piece.
Starting Pitcher Bradin Hagens leads the pitching staff with a 4-1 record, and a 2.78 ERA in 35.2 innings pitched.
With 22 games remaining in May, the BayBears close out the month by playing 14 of 22 games at home in Hank Aaron Stadium.
Advanced-A Visalia Rawhide
Visalia has gotten off to a quick start this season, as they claim a 20-11 record up to this point. Currently in second place of the Northern California League, the Rawhide trail the first place San Jose Giants by only 0.5 games.
Before his recent promotion to Mobile, RHP Archie Bradley headlined the Visalia pitching staff with a sparkling 1.26 ERA. Bradley amassed 43 strikeouts in just 28.2 innings pitched while with the Rawhide.
Second basemen Gerson Montilla highlights the Visalia batters, with 4 home runs and 11 RBI in 111 at bats.
Visalia’s pitching staff ranks second in the league with a cumulative 3.41 ERA.
Single-A South Bend Silver Hawks
Similar to Visalia, South Bend has started their 2013 campaign in grand fashion. At 19-9 (.679), the Silver Hawks sit atop tied for first in the Eastern Midwest League division. Away from Stanley Coveleski Regional Stadium, South Bend has amassed an impressive 9-2 record.
Infielder Ryan Court, leads the team in hitting with a .396 BA (42-for-106), which includes 2 home runs and 19 RBI. Outfielder Alex Glenn’s 3 home runs leads the team, while three of his teammates trail him with 2 home runs.
Starting pitcher Daniel Watts has an unblemished record of 4-0, while recording a 3.90 ERA.
Omaha Storm Chasers Team-Series Preview
The Omaha Storm Chasers arrive to Reno Tuesday, for their only series against the Aces this season. Entering May 6, Omaha leads the Pacific Coast League American Northern division with a 16-12 record. They lead the second place Memphis Redbirds by 1.0 games. In the all-time series versus Omaha, Reno is 10-6 (.625), and includes a 5-3 (.625) record at home.
Center fielder David Lough paces the Storm Chasers hitters, with a .364 batting average heading into Monday’s action. Lough’s .364 BA is currently good enough for 7th best in the league. His 16 RBI ranks second on the team, trailing first basemen Xavier Nady (17). Lough is a former 11th round draft pick of the Kansas City Royals back in the 2007 First-Year Player Draft.
Omaha’s starting rotation features two of the top pitchers in the PCL. Will Smith stands at 2-1 with a 1.93 ERA in 5 starts, and Chris Dwyer isn’t far behind at 3-1 with a 2.13 ERA in 6 starts. Both Smith and Dwyer rank in the top 10 in league ERA, with Smith’s 1.93 at 4th best, and Dwyer’s 2.13 at 5th best. As a team, Omaha has delivered a cumulative ERA of 3.36 (best in the PCL).
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