Tacoma 2, Las Vegas 0

The 51s enjoyed a well deserved off day Wednesday after going three weeks without a break.

But their hitters failed to wake up from the quick rest Thursday night in Tacoma, Wash. The Tacoma Rainiers held the 51s to three hits en route to a 2-0 victory.

Las Vegas lost for the third time in four games this week to drop to 40-38 on the season. It was only the third time the 51s were shut out this season, and the first since June 8 at this same venue.

At least they had a good excuse this time: Former second-overall draft pick Danny Hultzen was on the mound and dishing some of his best stuff. Hultzen, a former University of Virginia standout and current top-rated prospect for the Seattle Mariners, struck out six batters in six innings of work and gave up only two hits.

A single by designated hitter Kai Gronauer was Las Vegas’ only hit through 5 2/3 innings. Center fielder Brian Bixler and second baseman Wilmer Flores both doubled late in the game, but found themselves stranded on base.

The Rainiers produced a run with three singles and a sacrifice bunt in the fifth inning before Brad Miller homered to right off 51s starter Chris Schwinden in the next frame.

Schwinden was saddled with the loss, falling to 3-8 on the year, while Hultzen improved to 4-1 with the win.

Las Vegas has three more games in Tacoma before returning to Cashman Field for a three-game series against the Fresno Grizzlies Monday.

Key Stats

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

Wilmer Flores: 1-for-4, 1 2B

Kai Gronauer: 1-for-3

Chris Schwinden; 7.0 IP, 7 H, 1 HR, 1 BB, 2 ER, 6 K

Greg Burke: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 BB

Justin Hampson: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 BB, 1 K

(Team Report)