51s seek Spike in production

He dominated in Double A last season, but 51s right-hander Spike Lundberg has yet to approach that success in Triple A.

Lundberg, 30, went 15-2 with a 2.27 ERA for the Jacksonville Suns last year but finished 0-4 with a 7.17 ERA for Las Vegas.

He has made strides this season, going 4-4 with a 6.12 ERA for the 51s and pitching at least six innings in his last six starts, including Sunday’s 8-7 loss to Fresno at Cashman Field. But pitching coach Ken Howell said Lundberg still has plenty of room for improvement.

“He’s still got to pitch down in the zone more,” Howell said. “He’s getting through innings, but we have to learn to control damage better. … He’s done OK, but I’ve seen him pitch a lot better.”

Lundberg left with a 5-4 lead Sunday, allowing four runs on nine hits in 6 1/3 innings, with a walk and three strikeouts. But the Grizzlies rallied for three runs in the ninth off reliever Rick Bauer to take an 8-6 lead.

51s catcher Ben Davis popped out with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth as Las Vegas (36-47) fell to 1-4 on its seven-game homestand, 6-15 in day games and 16-25 at home.

“Spike kept us in the ballgame,” Las Vegas manager Lorenzo Bundy said. “He’s giving us quality innings and quality starts, and he’s been one of our more consistent guys.”

Lundberg, in his 11th professional season, said staying consistent is his biggest challenge at this level.

“That’s always been a hurdle for me in this league, getting consistent and proving myself over the course of a season here,” he said. “I’m working hard trying to do that.”

Howell said there’s a big difference between hitters at Double A and Triple A and that Lundberg and other Las Vegas pitchers have to step up their game when they get here.

“It’s not where you came from, it’s where you’re trying to go,” he said. “If you can’t master this level, the next level’s out of the question.”

Howell said he wants to see the swagger Lundberg had last season, when he led all Dodgers minor leaguers in wins.

“This guy has shown dominating stuff at times, and I’d like to see, at this level, the Spike Lundberg at Double A, confidence-wise and stuff-wise,” he said. “Once he makes that transition, he’ll be fine.”

• NOTES — Los Angeles shortstop Ramon Martinez is to join the 51s today on a rehabilitation assignment. Martinez, sidelined with back problems, has hit .153 in 26 games this season for the Dodgers. … Bonanza High School graduate Justin Leone went 2-for-4 with a home run for Fresno.