Clutch pitching prevails; 51s’ hot start continues

The 51s' pitching wasn't always good Tuesday night, but it was good when it had to be.

Brad Mills and three relievers allowed 10 hits, but they walked just one batter and consistently pitched out of trouble as Las Vegas' hot start continued with a 2-1 victory over the Fresno Grizzlies at Cashman Field.

The 51s scored their runs in the third inning -- on a wild pitch and a bases-loaded walk.

That was all they needed in improving to 5-1. Pitching is the main reason for that record, as the team's 1.50 ERA is the best in the Pacific Coast League.

Mills (1-0) stretched his scoreless streak to 25 1/3 innings going back to last season before surrendering a one-out, run-scoring single in the fifth inning to Fresno left fielder Fred Lewis.

"It's almost better to have streaks end sometimes," Mills said. "You don't worry about them.

"I guess I wasn't as frustrated with how it ended because I didn't walk any guys that inning. They got four little ground-ball hits."

The left-hander allowed seven hits while striking out nine in 5 1/3 innings, dropping his ERA to 0.79.

Mills looked as if he would have little problem putting up quality numbers after striking out five batters in the first two innings.

But he gave up two hits in the third before escaping with back-to-back groundouts to third base. Then there was the fifth, when the Grizzles (2-4) had those four hits, but Mills kept it to just the one run with a strikeout and a flyout.

"That's part of having a big year is making good pitches in tight situations," Mills said. "Anyone can make pitches when they're up 5-0 or just cruising, but when you get in jams and you're able to make good pitches, that defines your seasons."

Fresno also put runners on in the seventh and eighth off relievers Jesse Carlson and Sean Henn but did not capitalize. Rommie Lewis pitched a perfect ninth for his third save.

"They have confidence in themselves," 51s manager Dan Rohn said of the staff. "They go out there and get it done. Minimize damage is what we preach, and that's what they did."

Pitching had to come through on this night as the 51s had just six hits, and only one after the fifth inning.

It seems as if it doesn't matter who Las Vegas puts on the mound these days. But this is the PCL, where offenses usually dominate. So the 51s will take these kinds of performances as long as they can get them.

"You're only as good as the guys you put on the mound," Rohn said, "and so far they've been pretty darn good."

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914.