51s’ offense struggles again in loss to Fresno
The 51s’ bats, reliable all season, have begun to swelter in the summer heat. It cost them again Friday night in a 3-2 loss to the Fresno Grizzlies at Cashman Field.
“A well-pitched game by both sides, and they got bigger hits than we did,” Las Vegas manager Wally Backman said.
In their past 10 games, the 51s (56-58) are averaging less than four runs per game. It’s a poor mark for an offensively gifted team, but it gets even worse when it’s broken down further.
In that span, the 51s have scored more than three runs just three times, including a trio of games in which they scored one run or no runs. Most of their offense in the past 10 games has come in just two games: Monday (10 runs) and Game 2 of Thursday’s doubleheader (nine runs).
Which goes to prove that Robert Gsellman deserved a better fate than he received against Fresno (63-50). The Las Vegas right-hander threw seven innings and allowed three runs and struck out seven. He allowed all his runs in the first three innings and retired the final nine batters he faced.
“We know what kind of stuff he has, that’s why he’s at the top of our pitching prospect list,” Backman said. “He’s been pretty impressive.”
Gsellman (1-5) has pitched a quality start in each of his past four outings and boasts a 3.04 ERA with 25 strikeouts to four walks in 26 2/3 innings. But he’s 1-3 in those starts and has only four runs of support.
Gsellman came to Triple A with a balky knee but, now healthy, has settled into a routine in the past month or so, Backman said.
“This is really the first time that I’ve got to see this kid healthy,” Backman said.
Fresno starter Cesar Valdez has had his way with Las Vegas — Friday and in their last meeting. He threw seven shutout innings against the 51s on July 26, an outing in which he beat Gsellman. Toss in the two runs he allowed in six innings Friday and the 51s have had no answer.
“He got outs, and you have to tip your hat to the guy,” Backman said. “He really knows how to use his off-speed stuff.”
With the loss, the 51s dropped to an astounding 2-17 in Friday games. Their last win on a Friday was May 27 at home against Memphis.
Up next
Who: Fresno Grizzlies at Las Vegas 51s
When: 7:05 p.m. Saturday
Where: Cashman Field
Starters: Edison Frias (1-1, 6.00 ERA), Grizzlies, vs Josh Zeid (1-1, 5.94 ERA)
Next five
Sunday: Las Vegas at Albuquerque, 5:05 p.m.
Monday: Las Vegas at Albuquerque, 5:35 p.m.
Tuesday: Las Vegas at Albuquerque, 5:35 p.m.
Wednesday: Las Vegas at Albuquerque, 5:35 p.m.
Thursday: Off
Update
The 51s placed first baseman Marc Krauss on the seven-day disabled list Friday and activated catcher Jeff Glenn from the seven-day DL. The 51s also assigned second baseman L.J. Mazzilli to Las Vegas from Double-A Binghamton.
Justin Emerson can be reached at jemerson@reviewjournal.com. Follow on Twitter: @J15Emerson
