51s bats provide fireworks to back Gilmartin’s return

Sean Gilmartin spent six innings on cruise control. The lefty was quick and efficient as he sent down the Salt Lake Bees in his first start back from the Mets.

And then he sat for an extended period of time and watched his 51s teammates go off for 11 runs in the sixth.

Gilmartin’s quality start combined with a prolific night from the 51s offense sent Las Vegas home with a 17-6 Pacific Coast League victory over Salt Lake at Cashman Field.

The 51s had a 6-1 lead heading into the sixth before scoring 11, the most they’ve tallied in an inning this season. Travis Taijeron led off with a double and, by the time the carnage was over, the 51s had seven more hits in the frame.

A T.J. Rivera grand slam and two Roger Bernadina triples highlighted the inning. Taijeron also had two hits in the sixth, doubling twice.

Rivera led the charge offensively, finishing the day 3-for-5 with six RBIs. Bernadina finished with five RBIs — all in the sixth — and catcher Johnny Monell also had three hits and drove in three. In total, six of the team’s starters finished with two or more hits.

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