51s’ bats quiet in 2-1 PCL loss to Sacramento at Cashman Field

In a rare pitcher’s duel at Cashman Field, the Sacramento River Cats dealt the 51s a 2-1 Pacific Coast League loss Friday night before a crowd of 7,887.

Las Vegas left-hander Steven Matz (4-2) took a one-hitter into the eighth inning, and former 51s pitcher Robert Coello (5-1) scattered four hits in six innings for Sacramento, which held Las Vegas scoreless until the ninth.

Kyle Johnson hit a pinch-hit double with one out in the ninth, and Danny Muno singled before Darrell Ceciliani launched a sacrifice fly to make the score 2-1 and help the 51s avoid being shut out for the first time this season.

With the tying run in scoring position, Cory Vaughn struck out swinging to end the game as Las Vegas (24-12) lost consecutive games for the first time since April 22.

Matz, who allowed a solo homer to Trevor Brown in the second inning, retired 15 straight batters until surrendering a bunt single to Darren Ford with two outs in the eighth.

Carlos Triunfel then walked and Ford stole third before Brett Jackson hit an infield RBI single to make the score 2-0 and chase Matz, who allowed two runs on three hits with nine strikeouts and two walks in 7 2/3 innings.

Also, the New York Mets recalled Eric Campbell from Las Vegas. The super utilityman, who was leading the 51s in hitting with a .440 average (22-for-50), will replace second baseman Dilson Herrera, who was placed on the disabled list Friday after fracturing the tip of his middle finger in pregame fielding drills.