Aviators bomb Chihuahuas 20-11; Vegas sets record with 11 Home Runs

The Chihuahuas set a franchise record Friday night – allowing 11 home runs to the Las Vegas Aviators in their 20-11 loss.

The game is the first in a three-game weekend series that is equally important to both teams. The Chihuahuas still lead the Pacific Coast League-Pacific Southern Division in front of their nearest competitor, you guessed it: Las Vegas.

The story of this game can be told with the pitching. Both teams had less-than-sparkling pitching through the first four innings.

El Paso had the edge with 11 runs by the end of the 3rd inning, but the Aviators never quit landing balls over the fence.

Las Vegas scored at least one run in every inning but the 2nd. Four Aviators had a multi-home run game: catcher Sean Murphy (3 HR), shortstop Jorge Mateo (2 HR), outfielder Dustin Fowler (2 HR), and outfielder Mark Payton (2 HR).

In contrast, the Dogs’ five pitchers were bombed with 22 runs and 22 hits. Starter Emmanuel  Ramirez (14.59 ERA), alone, went 4 innings and was charged with 11 hits, nine runs and four home runs.

The winning pitcher was AJ Puk (2-0, 0.00 ERA), the losing pitcher was Steven Wilson (0-1, 3.54 ERA) and there were 7,949 fans who saw the Dogs get a whoopin’ at Southwest University Ballpark.

Next Game: Saturday, 7:05 pm at Southwest University Park. Las Vegas RHP Parker Dunshee (2-4, 6.49) vs. El Paso LHP Jerry Keel (6-6, 7.50). The game will air on 600 ESPN El Paso and www.epchihuahuas.com.

Las Vegas 20 El Paso 11 – Friday  |  Box Score  |  Team Records: Las Vegas (60-45), El Paso (63-42)

WP: Puk (2-0)  |  LP: Wilson (0-1)  |  S: None  |  Time: 3:24  |  Attn: 7,949