Peter O’Brien pounds 51s’ pitching again in Reno rout

If the 51s don’t see Peter O’Brien anytime soon, that would be just fine with them.

The Reno slugger, who drove a stake through Las Vegas’ heart Wednesday with a walk-off grand slam, cranked two more home runs Friday for four RBIs en route to a 9-0 Aces victory at Greater Nevada Field in Reno.

“He’ll chase the breaking ball if it’s out of the zone, but he won’t miss it if it’s a strike,” 51s manager Wally Backman said. “If you don’t get it in and you leave it over the inner half, he’s going to hurt you. And that’s basically what he did the entire series against us.”

O’Brien dominated the four-game series, batting .450 with three homers, three doubles, a triple and 12 RBIs.

The 51s’ bats, which scored 21 runs in the first three games of the series, managed just six hits Friday against Reno pitchers Andrew Chafin and Edgar Garcia, three of which were by Gavin Cecchini. They were shut out for the first time since May 14 at Oklahoma City.

“We fell behind early, and we never gave ourselves a chance to catch up,” Backman said.

Sean Gilmartin (5-3) started for Las Vegas (28-26), going 5 2/3 innings and allowing eight runs (seven earned). He struck out seven.

Up next

Who: Tacoma Rainiers at Las Vegas 51s

When: 7:05 p.m. Saturday

Where: Cashman Field

Starters: TBD vs. Rafael Montero (2-2, 4.53 ERA)

Next five

Sunday: Tacoma at Las Vegas, 12:05 p.m.

Monday: Tacoma at Las Vegas, 7:05 p.m.

Tuesday: Tacoma at Las Vegas, 12:05 p.m.

Wednesday: Off

Thursday: Las Vegas at Albuquerque, 6:05 p.m.

Update

Infielder Matt Reynolds was recalled Friday by the New York Mets to take the roster spot of David Wright, who was placed on the disabled list with a herniated disk in his neck. Reynolds was in uniform for the Mets on Friday in Miami.

Review-Journal reporter Justin Emerson can be reached at jemerson@reviewjournal.com.