Monell powers 51s past Zephyrs for fifth victory in six games

Johnny Monell had four hits and drove in four runs to help the 51s win for the fifth time in six games with a 10-6 victory over the New Orleans Zephyrs on Wednesday in a Pacific Coast League game in Metairie, La.

Las Vegas (73-59) maintained a 2½-game lead over second-place El Paso, a 2-1 winner over Colorado Springs, in the Pacific South Division.

The 51s jumped out front early and held on to close out the four-game series with their third win. Kevin Plawecki opened the scoring with an RBI single, and Brandon Allen followed with a two-run triple.

Las Vegas scored three times in the second on an RBI double by Darrell Ceciliani and Monell's two-run single. Monell added a two-run homer in the fourth.

Kila Ka'aihue had four of the 16 hits for New Orleans (53-79).

Darin Gorski surrendered 10 hits and three walks in five innings for the 51s, but limited the damage to three runs and improved to 10-8.

Las Vegas opens a four-game series at Round Rock at 5:05 p.m. today before returning home for a pivotal four-game set against El Paso at Cashman Field beginning Monday.