Las Vegas 14, Salt Lake 8

The Las Vegas 51s squandered a six-run lead today at Salt Lake City, but still won by six runs — 14-8.

The 51s led 7-1 after scoring four runs in the first inning and three in the top of the second. But the Bees scored four in their half of the second and three more in the third for an 8-7 lead.

That’s when Las Vegas pitching calmed down, yielding just four hits in six scoreless innings to close the game.

Matt den Dekker hit home runs in the fifth and sixth innings for Las Vegas, finishing 3-for-4 with three runs. Zach Lutz had a three-run home run in the first inning in finishing with four RBIs.

Ruben Tejada also had a big night for Las Vegas, finishing 3-for-6 with three RBIs. Catcher Juan Centeno added three hits and two runs scored.

With the win, Las Vegas moves back into a first-place tie with Sacramento, which was defeated today by Tucson.

The five-game series concludes Tuesday in Salt Lake.

Key Stats

Matt den Dekker: 3-for-4, 2 HR, 1 BB, 2 RBI, 3 R

Kirk Nieuwenhuis: 1-for-4, 1 BB, 1 R, 2 SB

Zach Lutz: 2-for-5, 1 2B, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 2 R

Matt Fox: 4.0 IP, 9 H, 4 BB, 8 ER, 1 K

Tim Byrdak: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 BB, 0 ER, 4 K

Sean Henn: 2.0 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 0 ER, 1 K

(Team Report)