Thames’ solo shot only offense 51s need in victory over Sacramento
The 51s managed only one hit through the first eight innings Friday, but they made the most of it.
Left fielder Eric Thames hit a solo home run to lead off the fifth inning, and Las Vegas topped host Sacramento 1-0 in a Pacific Coast League game.
The 51s (52-40) trail the first-place River Cats (55-38) by 2½ games in the Pacific South Division.
Las Vegas' Shawn Hill (3-0) had his second consecutive solid outing, allowing five hits in seven innings with one walk and five strikeouts. Relievers Jim Hoey and Chad Beck combined on the team's eighth shutout of the season.
Right-hander Daniel Straily (3-2) was outstanding for the River Cats, facing two batters over the minimum during his seven innings.
Straily walked two and struck out 13, and the 23-year-old leads minor league baseball with 154 strikeouts.
Shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria singled in the ninth off Erick Threets for the 51s' only other hit.
Sacramento put runners on first and third with two outs in the third inning before Hill got Josh Donaldson to ground into a fielder's choice.
Hill struck out Anthony Recker with two runners on to end the fourth. Sacramento didn't threaten again until the ninth, when Adam Rosales flied out to deep center with a runner on first for the final out.
