PCL champs: Las Vegas Aviators win franchise's third all-time title

An exterior view of the Las Vegas Ballpark in Summerlin before the grand opening Tuesday, April 9, 2019. Photo by: Steve Marcus

The Las Vegas Aviators defeated the Tacoma Rainiers 7-3 to capture their third Pacific Coast League Championship in franchise history before a crowd of 4,320 at Las Vegas Ballpark on Wednesday night.

The championship marks the first PCL title for Las Vegas in 37 years. The franchise previously won championships in 1986 and 1988 as the Las Vegas Stars, when they served as the Triple-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres.

They are now the top affiliate of the Athletics, who in 2028 will become the Las Vegas Athletics and play games in a new stadium on the Strip.

Aviators outfielder Ryan Lasko, who finished 2-for-4, provided the initial power with a two-run home run in the second inning. Third baseman Luke Mann extended the lead with a three-run home run in the sixth inning.

Las Vegas’ bullpen dominated in combining for 6.2 shutout innings while allowing no hits.

The Aviators advance to the Triple-A national championship game 7:07 p.m. Saturday at Las Vegas Ballpark against the International League champion. The three-game series between Scranton/Wilkes/Barre and Jacksonville is tied 1-1 heading into tonight’s decisive game.