51s break mark, whip Tucson, 23-2

Every 51s starter, including pitcher Jason Johnson, had at least one hit, and Las Vegas scored in every inning but two in a record-setting 23-2 rout of the Tucson Sidewinders in Pacific Coast League play Tuesday night in Tucson, Ariz.

A.J. Ellis hit a grand slam and drove in a game-high eight runs, falling a triple short of hitting for the cycle, as the 51s broke the franchise mark of 21 runs scored in a game, set against Edmonton on June 28, 1988, according to the team media guide.

Andy LaRoche and Sergio Garcia added five RBIs apiece for Las Vegas (28-24), which gave Johnson all the offense he needed in a three-run first inning highlighted by the first of John-Ford Griffin's two RBI triples.

Johnson (7-2), who helped himself with two hits and three runs, gave up four hits, struck out four and walked none. He left with a 21-1 lead after five innings.

Despite its record scoring output, Las Vegas had just four extra-base hits, by two players (Ellis and Griffin).

Garcia, who rejoined the 51s on Saturday after serving a 100-game drug suspension, went 5-for-6 with a walk. He singled in his first five at-bats, with all of the hits except one driving in at least one run, before striking out looking in the eighth.

Las Vegas, which took advantage of 11 walks issued by Tucson pitchers and four errors, tacked on four runs in both the second and third innings and five runs in both the fourth and fifth.

Ellis struck the biggest blows, with a three-run double in the fourth and his grand slam -- the catcher's first home run of the season -- in the fifth.

Sidewinders starter Juan Gutierrez (1-9) was tagged for 11 runs (10 earned) and 10 hits in 2 2/3 innings. He walked four and struck out one.

Jesus Merchan went 3-for-4 for Tucson (17-36).