LAS VEGAS 3, FRESNO 2
The Las Vegas 51s continued their dominating season in a tight 3-2 victory yesterday over the Fresno Grizzlies. Journeyman starter Giancarlo Alvarado delivered a solid performance and held Fresno to two runs and seven hits over five innings pitched. The 51s were down for most of the night until Matt den Dekker put Las Vegas ahead with a two run double in the top of the 7th inning. The 51s then received tremendous bullpen work from both Zack Thornton and Vic Black. Thornton fired two scoreless innings of relief, and Black picked up his seventh save of the season with a scoreless 9th inning. The 51’s record now stands at 32-13, and they now hold a commanding 11 game lead in their division. (Box score)
PORTLAND 2, BINGHAMTON 1
Even though Darin Gorski turned in another impressive start, the Binghamton Mets lost their second consecutive game against the Portland Sea Dogs. Gorski struck out six and allowed just one earned run in five innings pitched. However, Binghamton’s lineup was stifled by Portland’s starter Brian Johnson. The Mets scored just one run off a Dustin Lawley sacrifice fly in the second, and they only managed one extra base hit the entire night. (Box score)
ST. LUCIE 10, CLEARWATER 3
The St. Lucie Mets offense exploded for 10 runs in a blowout victory over Clearwater Thresher’s. Cole Frenzel was St. Lucie’s main contributor with three hits and three RBI, and Gilbert Gomez also sparked the offense with a three run home run in the eighth. Brandon Nimmo also contributed with a hit and three walks. While St. Lucie’s offensive outburst was impressive, Michael Fulmer’s return to form last night was even more encouraging. Fulmer pitched seven strong innings while allowing just one run and striking out seven. (Box score)
SAVANNAH 2, CHARLESTON 1
The Savannah Sand Gnats managed to pull off a thrilling comeback late in the game against the Charleston River Dogs. With two outs in the bottom of the eighth, L.J Mazzili scorched a doubled to left field to tie up the game 1-1. The next batter, Dominic Smith, then hit a groundball single to put Savanah up 2-1. Closer Robert Coles came in for the save in the ninth and slammed the door with a perfect inning to win the game. (Box score)
PLAYER OF THE NIGHT
Michael Fulmer is the clear choice for the player of the night. He delivered seven dominating innings for St. Lucie, and it appears that his early season struggles are now behind him. His ERA is an excellent 1.93 for his past five starts, so fans need to put him back on their radar. Fulmer has become almost an afterthought because of recent struggles and injuries, but the former first round pick still carries a tremendous upside.
(Photo Credit: Bryan Green)
