Leading hitter can’t keep 51s from another defeat

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Tuesday, April 21, 2009 | 10:19 p.m.

If only the rest of the Las Vegas 51s were having the same success as power-hitting first baseman Randy Ruiz.

Ruiz clubbed his fifth home run in 12 games this season on Tuesday night, but the 51s only had eight hits in falling 6-5 to the visiting Fresno Grizzlies at Cashman Field.

Ruiz, who leads Las Vegas in most offensive categories, hit a two-run home run in the sixth inning to cut the 51s’ deficit to 5-3. He is batting .333 with 16 RBIs and 11 runs scored.

Ruiz credits the hot start to his offseason training program. He estimated taking 200 to 300 swings most days during batting practice and feels that has given him the early-season edge.

“The hard work is paying off,” he said Friday after hitting a home run against Colorado Springs. “There is no pressure on me. I’m just seeing the ball and getting good wood on it.”

A lifelong minor leaguer -- this is his 10th year in professional baseball -- the 31-year-old Ruiz made his big league debut last summer with the Minnesota Twins. He batted .274 with one home run and seven RBIS in 62 at bats over 22 games.

After being released by Minnesota last December, Ruiz said he is happy to be part of the Toronto Blue Jays’ organization. Las Vegas is Toronto’s Triple-A affiliate.

“The thing I like about the organization is everyone of those guys wants to win,” Ruiz said. “My main concern is doing a good job down here for them until there is a spot for me.”

Fresno led 5-0 after the third inning, highlighted by a grand slam from Matt Downs. Shortstop Kevin Frandsen had three hits to pace Fresno’s 15-hit attack.

Las Vegas made things interesting in the ninth inning, scoring two runs with two outs before its rally fell short.

Scott Campbell led Las Vegas (3-9) with a 2-for-3 performance and two runs scored.

The two teams will play the second game of their four-game series at 7:05 p.m. Wednesday at Cashman Field.