Aaron Blair Dazzles in Eight Inning Masterpiece

Mar 1, 2015; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Aaron Blair (70) poses for a portrait during Photo Day at Salt River Fields. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

If it was Aaron Blair’s final Minor League performance, he went out like a champ. The Arizona Diamondbacks’ pitching prospect hurled eight innings of one run ball as the Reno Aces defeated the Sacramento River Cats by a score of 5-2. The 23-year old right-hander allowed four hits and two walks while striking out five. A two-run home run by Cody Ransom and a three-run shot by Jamie Romak supplied all of the offense the Aces would need.

More from Diamondbacks Prospects

• Diamondbacks make some BIG 40-man roster Moves
• About time! Diamondbacks to now provide housing for Minor League players
• What is the Rule 5 Draft? How does it impact Diamondbacks?
• VenomStrikes’ Diamondbacks Awards for the 2021 Season
• The Dbacks have finally drank some Beer

Blair has been brilliant since being promoted from Double A Mobile. He has now gone six innings in 11 consecutive starts, a Reno franchise record, made more remarkable by the fact the Aces play in the hitter-friendly confines of the Pacific Coast League. His record at Reno is now 7-2 with an ERA of 3.28 and the overall numbers for 2015 are worthy of being named the Organization’s Pitcher of the Year. Blair is 13-5 with an ERA of 2.97 in 25 starts. He has pitched 157 1/ innings allowing 135 hits and 50 walks while striking out 120. Opposing batters are hitting .234 off him.

With Reno sitting home for the playoffs, the question becomes will the D-backs promote Blair before the season ends? With almost 160 innings under his belt, the safe answer would be no. One thing is for sure, though and that’s the fact that Aaron Blair will be in a Major League uniform (barring injury) at this time next year.