AVIATORS TOP FIVE OF THE WEEK

1. Win some, lose just as many? With a record of 69-70 and 11 games to play, it’s conceivable the Aviators could finish 75-75. Should it happen, it would be the first .500 season in the franchise’s 40-year history.

2. Shirts on their backs: The Aviators broke out their franchise record 10th jersey of the season Thursday. They defeated Tacoma 7-5 while sporting special black tops (now available via auction) inspired by “Monarch,” the Fox TV drama series about country music starring Susan Sarandon (of “Bull Durham” fame).

3. Seeing is (almost) believing: Post from Twitter user Aaron Reynolds, on Monarch Night at Las Vegas Ballpark: “I’m at a Las Vegas Aviators ballgame, I have a batting helmet full of nachos and a horse just came out to throw the first pitch. Ask me anything.”

4. Mark the date: Reynolds might be interested to learn that Tuesday marked the anniversary of an announcement by the Spokane Indians that they would be moving their Triple-a franchise to Las Vegas for the 1983 season. Were it not for that, he most likely would not have witnessed a horse throwing out a ceremonial first pitch 40 years later.

5. My, how the game has changed: The Aviators stole three bases in Thursday’s victory after the horsing around, equaling their season high. By comparison, on July 28, 2003, Wilkin Ruan swiped five bases all by his lonesome to set a franchise record. Ruan stole 41 bases in 49 attempts as the starting center fielder for the then-stars. The now-aviators have stolen a Pacific Coast League-low 84 bases through Friday.