Fresno 4, Las Vegas 1

The LV offense failed to get anything started outside of a run in the eighth, and saddled Rafael Montero with the loss in a 4-1 decision.

Las Vegas starter Rafael Montero worked 5 1/3 innings. He issued six hits, two runs (both earned), he walked one, and struck out five. It was the second time this year that Surkamp has bested Montero as the other such occurrence was in Surkamp’s first Fresno start on July 1st in Las Vegas. Montero was two outs away from picking up yet another quality start. His stint in Las Vegas has still looked impressive overall as he approaches his innings limit on the year. With the playoffs swinging around and the 51s being potential candidates, Montero may see himself limited to just about 5.0 innings per start or so as they pitch him throughout the playoffs.

John Church struggled over his two innings of work and allowed two earned runs while walking four batters. His ERA jumps up to 2.96, which is still respectable. Tim Byrdak picked up two outs without any problems as he looks towards a September call-up with the Mets.

The only Las Vegas run was on an eighth inning double by center fielder Matt den Dekker who plated right fielder Brian Bixler. The 51s managed just four hits all game in this loss.

Key Stats

Brian Bixler: 1-for-3, 1 2B, 1 R

Ruben Tejada: 1-for-4, 1 2B

Matt den Dekker: 1-for-3, 1 2B, 1 RBI

Rafael Montero: 5.1 IP, 6 H, 1 BB, 2 ER, 5 K

John Church: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 4 BB, 2 ER, 3 K

D.J. Mitchell: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 BB, 0 ER, 1 K