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51s Clinch First Playoff Berth First Since 2002 With 8-6 Win

By Former Writers

September 1, 2013 No comments

831lv

Las Vegas 8, Tucson 6

A night after losing a ninth-inning lead and blowing a chance to clinch a division title, the Las Vegas 51s pounded their way into the postseason today with an 8-6 win over Tucson.

The 51s actually won the Pacific Coast League Southern Division title while their game was still in progress.

A 4-0 loss by Sacramento to Tacoma in a game that ended during the ninth inning of the Las Vegas-Tucson game sealed the division title for the 51s.

But they made sure the outcome in Tacoma wouldn’t have mattered. Las Vegas mashed out 13 hits to win a slugfest over the Padres, taking the lead for good in the fifth inning on a two-run double by Jamie Hoffmann.

First baseman Eric Campbell led the way with three hits, including a double, while Ruben Tejada and Francisco Pena both homered for the 51s.

The best-of-five playoffs begin Wednesday at Salt Lake, which won the Northern Division.

The 51s resume their series with Tucson at 7:05 p.m. Sunday at Cashman Field.

Key Stats

Jamie Hoffmann: 2-for-4, 1 2B, 2 RBI,

Eric Campbell: 3-for-4, 1 2B, 1 RBI, 2 R

Ruben Tejada: 1-for-5, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 R

Francisco Pena: 1-for-3, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 R

Cory Wade: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 2 K

Greg Burke: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 2 K

(Team Report)