Cesar Puello powers 51s past El Paso, 4-3

Cesar Puello went 3-for-5 and drove in two runs, including a solo home run in the third inning to open the scoring, as Las Vegas claimed a 4-3 Pacific Coast League win at El Paso in the series opener Thursday night.

It was the fourth straight win for the 51s (29-11) and eighth nine games.

Andrew Brown and Zach Lutz each had two hits for Las Vegas.

Giancarlo Alvardo (1-0) worked around six walks in five innings in his first start of the season to get the victory. He allowed one run on one hit, striking out four.

Vic Black worked a scoreless ninth to pick up his fifth save.

The 51s continue the series against the Chihuahuas (18-22) at 6:05 p.m. today.