Following another loss, Las Vegas could receive some pitching help

Monday, May 14, 2001 | 10:10 a.m.

SACRAMENTO -- Trying to come up with a reason the Las Vegas 51s (15-22) have one of the worst records in triple-A baseball?

Look no further than pitching.

The 51s entered Sunday afternoon's 6-4 loss to the Sacramento RiverCats at Raley Field ranked dead last in the PCL in team ERA, 5.61.

Help could be on the way, however.

The 51s are expected to sign veteran knuckleballer Dennis Springer as early as today.

And the possibility exists that Dodger right-hander Andy Ashby, who is slated to throw on the side on Tuesday and Wednesday for the first time in two weeks after going on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right elbow, could be stopping by Las Vegas in a week or so on a rehab assignment.

Sacramento (18-19) jumped on the 51s' Sunday starter, Eddie Priest, for four runs in the first two innings, including a solo home run by second baseman Jose Ortiz and a two-run shot by center fielder Andy Abad.

The RiverCats extended their lead to 6-0 with what proved to be a very valuable two-run home run by left fielder Eric Byrnes in the bottom of the eighth off reliever Chad Ricketts.

Byrnes' homer would prove to be the difference as Las Vegas, limited to just three singles over the first eight innings by Sacramento starter Justin Miller and reliever Todd Belitz, scored four runs while batting around in the ninth. Two of the runs came on two-out bases-loaded walks to Jeff Barry and Chris Prieto, while first baseman Dave Post added a two-run single. Second baseman Shawn Gilbert was narrowly thrown out at first by shortstop Ryan Lane to end the comeback try.