New Orleans Zephyrs fall to the Las Vegas 51s 5-3 in 11 innings - NOLA.com

There was no relief when it came to the New Orleans Zephyrs’ bullpen Monday night. New Orleans gave up two runs in the 11th inning on consecutive bases loaded walks to fall to the Las Vegas 51s 5-3 in front 2,564 at Zephyr Field. The loss soured the performance of the Zephyrs’ Wade LeBlanc, who scattered four hits in eight innings and stuck out a career-high 12.

David Grunfeld / The Times PicayuneNew Orleans Zephyrs starting pitcher Wade LeBlanc scattered four hits in eight innings and struck out a career-high 12 batters Monday night in a 5-3 loss to Las Vegas.

LeBlanc allowed two runs. In the second inning, the 51s’ Chris Woodward doubled in David Cooper, and in the sixth Travis d’Arnaud homered to center. LeBlanc left with a 3-2 lead in the ninth.

However, that’s when the Zephyrs’ bullpen faltered. Rob Delaney came in the ninth inning and gave up three hits in four batters, including Moises Sierra’s single that scored d’Arnaud, who went 2-for-5 with two runs scored.

In the 11th inning, Robert Ray (0-1) came on and walked former Zephyr Ruben Gotay with the bases full, then walked Mike McCoy who, at one time, was down 0-2 in the count.

The Zephyrs scored all of their runs in the first inning. Bryan Peterson, who was called up to the Miami Marlins after the game, led off with a single up the middle. After Donovan Solano walked and Chris Coughlin singled to load the bases, Mike Cervenak singled to right to score Peterson.

Scott Cousins, in the midst of a six-game hitting streak, followed with a double that hit the base of the wall in right field, scoring Solano and Coughlin for a 3-0 lead before an out was recorded. It was the only hit for Cousins in five at-bats.

New Orleans only mustered four hits in the next six innings. The Zephyrs went hitless from the fifth through the ninth innings.

Relief pitcher Robert Coello set down 11 consecutive Zephyrs at one point. Jerry Gil picked up the win to go to 3-0.

Las Vegas relievers went 7 2/3 innings, allowing two hits and one walk. The 51s struck out seven.

MATTISON HEADS TO NEW ORLEANS: To make room for Peterson, the Marlins sent outfielder Kevin Mattison to New Orleans.

Mattison had one at-bat in his stint with Miami, going 0-for-1.

UP NEXT: The Zephyrs close out the series with an 11:30 a.m. start today.

New Orleans’ Tom Koehler (3-3, 3.79 ERA) is scheduled to start against Las Vegas’ Scott Richmond (3-2, 5.83).