The Rockies Triple-A Albuquerque affiliate took the first step on Thursday night to what could be a happy ending to a disappointing season.

The Isotopes opened what is being called The Final Stretch with a 13-5 victory against the Diamondbacks Reno affiliate in what was the first of the final 10 games of the minor-league season.

Josh Fuentes provided the power, hitting for the ninth cycle in franchise history. Fuentes tripled in the first inning, singled in the third inning, doubled in the fifth inning and hit a grand slam in the fifth. For good measure, he picked up a sixth RBI when he was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the seventh.

The Triple-A leagues have an extended schedule this year, not ending until Oct. 3 — the same day as the big-league teams. With MLB allowed it’s teams to add only two players in the final month of this season, instead of the full 40-man roster, which was the case in the past, the Triple-A leagues had their seasons extended.

To provide fan interest, The Final Stretch was created. Teams are playing a five-game home and away series against another team in their league. The team with the best record in those 10 games will be named the Triple-A Final Stretch Champs.

It’s an event that provides a motivation for teams that struggled through a tough season, like the Rockies Triple-A affiliate in Albuquerque

In Game 1, at least, Albuquerque had reason to celebrate. Starting pitcher Derek Rodriguez did allow five runs in 4 2/3 innings, but the Isotopes bullpen shutout Reno over the final 4 1/3 innings. Nate Griep was credited with the victory. Right-handed pitcher Ryan Castellani even delivered a pinch-hit single, making him 7-for-13 at the plate this season.

In the minor league playoffs:

High A Spokane rebounded after losing the first two games of the best-of-five series with Eugene to claim a 6-1 victory on Thursday. Mitch Kilkenny picked up the win, allowing one run and striking out six in seven innings. Grant Lavigne had his third multi-high game in the three playoff games, and is 7-for-11 in those games. Ezequiel Tovar went 2-for-4 with a double, RBI and run scored.

Low A Fresno was off on Thursday after losing the first two games to Giants affiliate San Jose, which has a 2-0 edge in the best-of-five series. Noah Gotsis will start for Fresno, making only his second appearance and first start for the team. Gotsis spent time this season with Fresno, Spokane and the Rockies team ACL, compiling a record of 5-3 with a 3.02 ERA.