51s’ winning streak rekindles memories for Backman of 1986 Mets
The last time 51s manager Wally Backman was part of a winning streak this long was in 1986, when he helped the New York Mets win the World Series.
Backman guided Las Vegas to its 10th straight victory Sunday afternoon in a 5-2 win over the Reno Aces at Cashman Field that capped a four-game sweep and only the second 8-0 homestand in the 51s’ 33-year franchise history.
The 10-game win streak is the second-longest in franchise history, behind the Stars’ 12-game run in 1987.
“They’re on a roll,” Backman said over a postgame beverage and cigarette. “We’re getting good pitching, good defense and timely hits. You can’t ask for much more than that.”
Darin Gorski took a one-hitter into the sixth inning, when he allowed two unearned runs, and Wilfredo Tovar hit a tiebreaking two-run double in the sixth to lift Las Vegas, which ran its record to 16-8 after a 6-8 start.
Tovar, who drilled a walk-off two-run double in Tuesday’s win to finish a four-game sweep of Albuquerque, drove the decisive hit past left fielder Garrett Weber, who was playing shallow.
“He was kind of on his own there,” Backman said of Tovar. “We were bunting in that situation. We told him, ‘If they overcharge, then you pull back and swing the bat.’ He did, and that was the biggest hit of the game for us.”
Gorski allowed three hits with four strikeouts and a walk in 5 2/3 innings in his longest stint of the season.
“That was my best outing so far this season, as far as being able to command the strike zone and throw my pitches for strikes consistently,” Gorski said.
Gorski (2-1, 4.38 ERA), who lowered his ERA by more than a run, said he was motivated to match the performances of 51s pitchers Steven Matz (3-1, 1.84) and Noah Syndergaard (2-0, 1.66) — who each has won twice during the win streak while allowing a combined one run in 28 innings with 36 strikeouts and five walks.
“It’s kind of a competition between the guys in here,” said Gorski, 27. “You see those guys throwing up good games, so you want to go out and do the exact same thing. Those guys have been lights out recently.”
Gorski helped his cause by going 2-for-2 with a double and scored the game’s first run on Matt Reynolds’ two-run double in the fifth.
“He pitched a hell of a ballgame. He got a little tired. He was on the bases a couple times,” Backman said. “We’re getting good starting pitching. That’s the key to success.”
Reno (9-15), which loaded the bases with no outs in the sixth on two hits and a fielding error by Brooks Conrad, scored its runs on a sacrifice fly by Peter O’Brien and subsequent collision at home plate between Trayvon Robinson and 51s catcher Johnny Monell.
Right fielder Travis Taijeron made a strong throw home to Monell, who was knocked down and had the ball knocked loose by Robinson as he attempted to make a one-handed tag. Monell remained flat on the ground after the collision, allowing Cody Ransom to score and tie the game 2-2.
“Thank God my arms were in front of me and I didn’t lead with my head. He just spun me around,” Monell said. “I was kind of shocked by what happened. It was a bang-bang play. It’s unfortunate I couldn’t make the play because Gorski pitched a beautiful game.”
Monell remained in the game and finished 1-for-4 as his Pacific Coast League-leading average dipped to .397. He’s one of four players among the PCL’s top 10 hitters from Las Vegas, which leads the league in virtually every offensive category, including batting with a .306 average.
“It’s a good vibe, as far as guys just feeding off each other, going out and doing their job and putting on a show,” Monell said. “I’ve been a part of some crazy win streaks, but this is by far the best one, as far as the way we’re swinging the bats, the way we’re controlling the game and the way we’re playing defense.
“Guys are making ridiculous plays. Everyone’s definitely feeding off that.”
Contact reporter Todd Dewey at tdewey@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0354. Follow him on Twitter: @tdewey33.
