Las Vegas 11, Tacoma 4

Rafael Montero pitched his way to victory despite a lackluster performance. The right-hander went six innings, allowed three runs on six hits and struck out three while walking two. Luckily he got plenty of support from the offense, led by Zach Lutz‘s pair of homeruns. Lutz finished the game 3 for 3 with four runs scored, three RBI, and a walk to go along with those two homers. Eric Campbell went 2 for 3 with two RBI and a couple of walks. DH Allan Dykstra also had two hits, including his ninth double. Wilmer Flores managed just a single in five plate appearances as he continues to search for his stroke. The 51’s will again take on Tacoma on Friday night with first pitched scheduled for 10:05 PM ET. Top prospect Noah Syndergaard will get the start.

Binghamton 5, Portland 4

Greg Peavey took the mound for the B-Mets and pitched solidly. He worked deep into the game, going seven innings while surrendering four runs (three earned). He struck out four Sea Dogs and walked none. Cory Vaughn, who has struggled mightily with the bat so far, pitched in with three hits in four turns at bat. Firstbaseman Matt Clark stayed hot, hitting a game-tying homerun in the 8th inning. Chase Bradford earned the win, tossing two scoreless innings of relief. Matthew Bowman will pitch Friday for Binghampton as they head to Erie to take on the Seawolves at 6:35 PM ET.

St. Lucie 15, Palm Beach 5

St. Lucie ace Steven Matz took the ball tonight and pitched well. The southpaw tossed 5.2 scoreless innings and struck out six while issuing just one walk on his way to his second win of the season. The St. Lucie offense came to play tonight, scoring 15 runs that was highlighted by a seven run second inning. Brandon Nimmo went 1 for 2 in the game with a double, three runs scored, and two RBI to go along with four walks. Thirdbasemen Aderlin Rodriguez clubbed his first homer of the season on his way to a four RBI night. Brandon Allen, Eudy Pina and Phillip Evans had three hits apiece. St. Lucie will head home to take on Bradenton with Michael Fulmer on the mound looking to turn his season around. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 PM ET

Savannah 10, Lakewood 3

Robert Whalen continued his brilliant season on the mound as Savannah routed struggling Lakewood. The 20-year old went five innings and allowed two runs while earning the victory. He struck out seven would-be hitters while walking a pair. Gavin Cecchini went just 1 for 5 at the plate and has now seen his average slide to .225 after a hot start. Stefan Sabol had two hits including a double and also drove in three. Victor Cruzado went 3 for 4 including his second homerun of the season.  John Mincone pitched two hitless innings of relief and struck out two. The Sand Gnats will take on the same Lakewood team Friday in a doubleheader. The first game will start at 5:05 PM ET and will feature Robert Gsellman as the starting pitcher. Miller Diaz will take the mound in Game 2.

Player Of The Night

Las Vegas thirdbasemen Zach Lutz earned himself Player of the Night honors for Friday by homering twice as the 51’s routed the Rainiers. Lutz drove in three and scored four times himself.

(Photo credit: ESPN.com)