51s waste chances in loss to Fresno
A lack of timely hitting Thursday night again sent the 51s to a Pacific Coast League loss to the Fresno Grizzlies.
For the second straight game, Las Vegas was held to one run despite tallying 10 hits and fell 2-1 in Fresno, Calif.
The 51s (60-45), who had won eight of their past nine games before dropping two straight to the Grizzlies (55-49) in this three-game set, left 11 runners on base Thursday and went 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position. They were retired in order in just one inning, the sixth, and scored when Fresno center fielder Ryan Lollis misplayed Moises Sierra's fifth-inning fly ball with Adeiny Hechavarria on third.
Jason Stevenson (4-3), who entered with a 6.37 ERA in 11 starts this season, got the win by holding Las Vegas to a run on six hits and three walks in six innings. He struck out one. Three Grizzlies relievers each pitched a scoreless inning, with Jean Machi posting his 11th save.
Juan Ciriaco had the pivotal hit, a two-run double in the fourth off starter Bill Murphy (5-4). The 51s left-hander went six innings and allowed the two runs on eight hits and two walks. He fanned two.
Todd Linden started Fresno's decisive rally with a one-out single and went to second when Charlie Culberson walked. Ciriaco then laced his double to center.
Hechavarria, who went 3-for-4, walked in the fifth, got to third on David Cooper's double and scored on Lollis' error.
Linden, Nick Noonan and Skyler Stromsmoe each had two of the Grizzlies' nine hits.
