51s crumble late in loss to El Paso

Wednesday’s final score suggests a blowout.

But though the 51s lost 17-6 to El Paso, the Pacific Coast League game was close up until the eighth inning.

And for a point, it looked like one within Las Vegas’ grasp before the Chihuahuas pummeled the 51s’ bullpen late.

The 51s jumped out to five-run lead in the second inning with starter Rafael Montero helping his own cause with a two-run single.

But after tagging Montero for a run in the second inning, the Chihuahuas jumped on him for five more in the third.

The game was essentially close throughout until the eighth inning when El Paso exploded for nine runs off of Erik Goeddel and Stolmy Pimentel.

The 51s didn’t help themselves out much with two errors in the inning, one by Goeddel and one by center fielder Brandon Nimmo.

They also got caught in two rundowns earlier in the game when it was still close.

Despite the loss, the 51s still have a chance at a series victory today.

Betsy Helfand can be reached at bhelfand@reviewjournal.com. Follow on Twitter: @BetsyHelfand