The New York Mets scored 13 runs Friday at Citi Field. They must have inspired their AAA team, because the Las Vegas 51s (10-10) scored 14 against Tacoma to get their record to .500 for the season. The 51s have now won a season-high four straight games.

Vegas fell behind early as starter Rafael Montero gave up two runs in the top of the first on a walk and three 2-out hits. But the 51s scored four times in the bottom of the inning with some help from the Tacoma defense. After a walk to designated hitter Brandon Nimmo, third baseman Matt Reynolds reached on an error by Rainier second baseman Chris Taylor allowing Nimmo to get to third. Centerfielder Roger Bernadina reached on a fielder’s choice as Nimmo got caught in a rundown between third and home and was tagged out as Reynolds advanced to third. After right fielder Travis Taijeron drew a walk, T.J. Rivera reached on a second error by Tacoma,  allowing Reynolds to come in and score before the 51s had even recorded a hit. With the bases loaded first baseman Marc Krauss got that first hit, a single to right driving in Bernadina. Then shortstop Gavin Cecchini singled up the middle, chasing home Taijeron and Krauss.

Montero gave up another run in the second on a couple of singles and a sacrifice fly. But in the bottom of the inning, the Vegas bats really sprang into action. Nimmo, Reynolds and Bernadino rapped out three consecutive singles plating one run.  Taijeron then doubled to left bringing in Reynolds. Rivera reached of the second straight at bat on a Tacoma error, the second by Taylor, and two more runs came in. Cecchini hit a fly ball to left which was good for a double and to drive in Rivera. Nimmo, batting for the second time in the inning, reached on yet another error by Taylor, his second of the inning and third overall. Cecchini scored for the seventh run of the inning.

In the fourth, Montero surrendered another run which was aided by an error by Krauss and scored on a ground out. Zack Thornton replaced Montero in the sixth and was greeted by a single to center by Tacoma DH Dario Pizzano. Thornton got two ground outs and nearly got out of the inning, but was victimized by right fielder Stefen Romero wh0 homered to left center.

The 51s answered with a solo homer by Krauss in the bottom of the inning. In the eighth Vegas collected their final two runs. After  a single by Rivera, Krauss doubled him home. Catcher Nevin Ashley grounded into a double play, but Krauss scored from third.

Paul Sewald came on to pitch the top of the ninth. He gave up a double to his first batter, but struck out the next two. He got a ground ball out to finish the game.

Vegas pitching gave up 6 runs on 14 hits, but their offense managed to get some timely hits as well as take advantage of the Rainiers’ shabby defense for a 14-6 win. Montero pitched five innings, giving up four runs, three earned, on nine hits, walking one and striking out five, benefitting from the offense and logging the win. After Thornton gave up two runs on two hits, Erik Goeddel and Chase Bradford pitched a scoreless inning each before Sewald came in to close it out.

Top Performers:

Krauss and Cecchini were each 4 for 5 and drove in three runs a piece. Krauss scored three times and hit a home run. Bernadina was 3 for 5, driving in one and scored three times.

Dilson Herrera was out of the lineup for the second straight game with a sore back. Las Vegas continues the series against Tacoma on Saturday with Seth Lugo on the mound.

(photos by Jennifer Nieves)