PCL playoffs spot on line in Aviators’ final series

By Terrel Emerson Las Vegas Review-Journal

5 years ago

The Las Vegas Aviators celebrate their 3-2 walk-off win over the Reno Aces at the Las Vegas Bal ... — The Las Vegas Aviators celebrate their 3-2 walk-off win over the Reno Aces at the Las Vegas Ballpark on Wednesday, July 3, 2019. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

Las Vegas Aviators first baseman Seth Brown (9) high fives first base coach Craig Conklin (28) after singling in the bottom of the first inning during Vegas’ home game with the New Orleans Baby Cakes at Las Vegas Ballpark on Wednesday, July 31, 2019, in Las Vegas. (Benjamin Hager/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @benjaminhphoto

With four games remaining, the Aviators have a two-game division lead in their quest for a Pacific Coast League playoff berth.

Both the Aviators, leaders in the Pacific Coast League’s Pacific Southern Division, and the second-place El Paso Chihuahuas lost on Thursday night, potentially setting up a tense regular-season finish for each team.

The Aviators (81-55) finish with a four-game homestand against Tacoma beginning at 7:05 p.m. Friday.

El Paso (79-56) plays its final four games on the road against Northern Division-leading Sacramento.

The division winner advances to the PCL playoffs, which begin Wednesday.

The race could be greatly affected by the parent Oakland Athletics, who are competing for a wild-card spot. MLB teams are allowed to expand their rosters from 25 to 40 on Sept. 1.

If Oakland calls up players, the Aviators then could expect an influx of players from the Midland (Texas) RockHounds, the A’s Double-A affiliate.

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Contact Terrel Emerson at temerson@reviewjournal.com.