LAS VEGAS 16, SALT LAKE 4
Vegas had their hitting shoes during Thursday night’s game against the Bees as they banged out 21 hits and ran 16 runs across the plate to swat the Bees. Logan Verrett started the game and tossed five innings, giving up four runs on 10 hits, walking one and striking out four to earn his second win of the season. Everyone in the 51s lineup had at least one hit except for Kirk Nieuwenhuis who was 0 for 6. But the stars of the night were Eric Campbell (3 for 4, 3 R, 2 doubles), Andrew Brown, (3 for 4, 5 R, HR, 2 RBI, Zach Lutz (3 for 5, 2 R, HR, 5 RBI), Taylor Teagarden (3 for 5, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI), and Brandon Allen (5 for 6, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI). Allan Dykstra also contributed a home run and finished 1 for 5 with two runs scored. They also made PCL history by hitting back-to-back-to-back-to-back jacks in the fourth off the bats of Dykstra, Lutz, Teagarden and Allen. The 51s will take on the Bees again on Friday night with first pitch scheduled for 8:35 PM ET. Rafael Montero will take the ball in search of his fourth win. (box score)
BINGHAMTON 12, HARRISBURG 6
The B-Mets put on an offensive show of their own last night, scoring 12 runs on 14 hits. Every hitter in the B-Mets starting lineup had at least one hit, including starting pitcher Darin Gorski who went 2 for 3 with a double and two RBI. On the mound the 6’4 southpaw was solid, going six innings while allowing two runs on seven hits. He struck out seven and walked just one. First basemen Jayce Boyd appears to be shaking off his early season slump, going 2 for 3 with a homerun, a double, four RBI, and two runs scored to go along with two walks. Matt Reynolds went 2 for 4 with a triple and two RBI. Catcher Kevin Plawecki had two hits of his own, finishing the night going 2 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored. Binghamton will face-off against Harrisburg on Friday night at 7:05 PM ET. Matt Bowman is scheduled to start the game for the B-Mets. (box score)
ST. LUCIE 4, PALM BEACH 2
Domingo Tapia took the mound Thursday for St. Lucie and pitched fairly well. The 22-year old right-hander pitched five innings and allowed two runs on five hits. He struck out two and walked a pair. T.J. Rivera continued his torrid hitting, going 2 for 5 at the plate. Aderlin Rodriguez also had two hits, finishing his night 2 for 3 with an RBI and a run scored. Gilbert Gomez and Robbie Shields also pitched in with two hits apiece. The bullpen was brilliant for the Mets. Seth Lugo tossed three innings of one hit baseball, striking out three and walking one. Beck Wheeler closed out the game without allowing a hit and struck out two. St. Lucie and Palm Beach square off again Friday night as Luis Cessa looks for his second win of the season. First pitch is scheduled for 5:35 PM ET. (box score)
SAVANNAH 5, WEST VIRGINIA 3
Dario Alvarez, who is usually a reliever, started Thursday’s game for the Sand Gnats. His appearance was brief, as he pitched just 2.2 innings, allowing three runs (one earned). He struck out three and walked two. Dominic Smith stayed hot, going 2 for 4 with two RBI at the plate. Gavin Cecchini went 1 for 1 with a double, an RBI and a run scored before leaving the game with an injury. Victor Cruzado went 2 for 5 with a homerun and two runs scored. The Sand Gnats bullpen shut down the West Virginia offense, with Darwin Frias, Tim Peterson and Robert Coles combining to pitch 6.1 shutout innings with 10 strikeouts. These same teams will go at it again Friday with Miller Diaz (2-0, 2.21 ERA) on the mound. First pitch is slated for 7:05 PM ET. (box score)
PLAYER OF THE NIGHT
With so many brilliant offensive performances in an undefeated night for the Mets affiliates, it’s difficult to pick a player of the night. So I’m going to take the easy way out and give the honors to the entire Las Vegas lineup, who trounced Salt Lake for 16 runs on 21 hits.
