Dodgers Drop Series Opener In Las Vegas

The Las Vegas 51s overcame an early three-run deficit and scored eight unanswered runs during one stretch in an 11-6 win over the Oklahoma City Dodgers Thursday night at Cashman Field.

Both teams had a power surge over the first two innings, combining for eight runs on four home runs. Chris Heisey started the scoring the top of first inning, blasting two-run shot well past the left field fence to give OKC a 2-0 lead.

On the very next pitch, O'Koyea Dickson hit a solo homer to push the lead to 3-0, as the Dodgers hit back-to-back home runs for the first time this season.

Las Vegas (27-14) tied the game in the bottom of the inning, when Brooks Conrad connected on a three-run homer. The 51s then took the lead in the second inning via a two-run homer by Danny Muno.

In the fourth inning, Las Vegas scored three more times. The inning got off to an inauspicious start for OKC when Corey Vaughn hit a fly ball to center field. Heisey lost sight of the ball in the lights, and the ball ended up dropping, resulting in a triple for Vaughn. Dan Rohlfing followed with a RBI single to make it 6-3.

With two runners on and one out, Muno laid down a bunt a few feet in front of the batter's circle. OKC Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes barehanded the ball, and his throw to first base ended up in right field. Two runs scored on the play, giving Las Vegas an 8-3 lead.

The Dodgers (26-13) responded with two runs in the top of the fifth. Las Vegas shortstop Matt Reynolds committed an error to allow one run to score, and another crossed when Corey Seager hit into a double play.

OKC edged closer in the top of the seventh, when a throwing error by Wilfredo Tovar brought home a run, pulling OKC within 8-6.

However, the 51s scored three times in the bottom of the inning to match their largest lead of the night. Alex Castellanos singled home a pair of runs, and Rohlfing sent a sac fly to deep center field to make it 11-6.

Las Vegas starting pitcher Steven Matz allowed six runs—which doubled his previous season high—but it didn't prevent him from picking up the win. Matz (5-2) pitched 6.1 innings and allowed eight hits with one walk and seven strikeouts.

Scott Baker surrendered eight runs (six earned) and seven hits over 4.0 in the loss. He struck out four and walked one. Baker (2-3) previously had not allowed a home run with Oklahoma City until giving up two of them Thursday night.

The 11 runs marked a new season high allowed by the Dodgers pitching staff. Over the past seven road games, the Dodgers have allowed at least 10 runs four times.

The Dodgers and 51s resume their series Friday night at 9:05 p.m. Central time. Live coverage begins at 8:35 p.m. on AM 1340 “The Game”, 1340thegame.com, or through the iHeartRadio mobile app.