51s shut out in Tacoma

By Case Keefer (contact)

Thursday, June 27, 2013 | 10:15 p.m.

The 51s enjoyed a well deserved off day Wednesday after going three weeks without a break.

But their hitters failed to wake up from the quick rest Thursday night in Tacoma, Wash. The Tacoma Rainiers held the 51s to three hits en route to a 2-0 victory.

Las Vegas lost for the third time in four games this week to drop to 40-38 on the season. It was only the third time the 51s were shut out this season, and the first since June 8 at this same venue.

At least they had a good excuse this time: Former second-overall draft pick Danny Hultzen was on the mound and dishing some of his best stuff. Hultzen, a former University of Virginia standout and current top-rated prospect for the Seattle Mariners, struck out six batters in six innings of work and gave up only two hits.

A single by designated hitter Kai Gronauer was Las Vegas’ only hit through 5 2/3 innings. Center fielder Brian Bixler and second baseman Wilmer Flores both doubled late in the game, but found themselves stranded on base.

The Rainiers produced a run with three singles and a sacrifice bunt in the fifth inning before Brad Miller homered to right off 51s starter Chris Schwinden in the next frame.

Schwinden was saddled with the loss, falling to 3-8 on the year, while Hultzen improved to 4-1 with the win.

Las Vegas has three more games in Tacoma before returning to Cashman Field for a three-game series against the Fresno Grizzlies Monday.

Case Keefer can be reached at 948-2790 or [email protected]. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer.