Maybin and Conrad Shine In Historic Loss for Triple-A El Paso

Cameron Maybin, on rehab assignment with El Paso, had a big game in a big loss. Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Perhaps it was the clear desert air on an 83 degree day, or the sub 330 dimensions down each line at Cashman Field, or even the 30 mile an hour wind gusting out at game time. Whatever the cause, offense was the theme of the day Tuesday in Las Vegas.

Final score: Las Vegas 51s 21, El Paso Chihuahuas 9

Even with the 30 total runs scored and the 15 total extra base hits, including 4 home runs by the Chihuahuas, the Pacific Coast League record that came in to play actually had to do with pitching. The Padres triple-A squad tied a league record using 9 pitchers to navigate through seven run scoring innings posted by Las Vegas.

Still, in the face of such struggles as a team, there were positives that came out of the nine runs scored by the Padres.

With the big club keeping a watchful eye for any potential offensive boost, Cameron Maybin had the best offensive performance of his nine game rehab stint. In the three spot for the Chihuahuas, Maybin went 3-for-4 with a home run, two runs scored, two RBI and a walk. The two RBI game breaks up a string of seven games without driving in a run, the three hits are his most in a game so far, and his HR was his first long ball of the year.

Maybin’s big day however, still paled in comparison to that of journeyman infielder Brooks Conrad. The 34-year-old went 4-for-5 with two home runs, three RBI and a pair of runs scored. With a double to his credit Tuesday, Conrad finished off with 11 total bases. After picking up just three hits over his first 25 at bats, Conrad is hitting .459 over his last nine games with six milt-hit games over the span.

More offense came from Jason Lane with a pinch hit two run home run. Rico Noel, Daniel Robertson, and Alberto Gonzalez all notched hits and scored for El Paso.

Meanwhile, Jeff Francoeur drove home a run hitting out of the five spot in the order, but his highlight came on the hill. Francoeur tossed the only full scoreless inning of the night for El Paso, holding the 51s hitless and recording a strike out in the 8th. It is the second appearance for the 30 year old former MLB all-star who put together his first scoreless inning on the hill just two nights before.