Sacramento rallies in sixth to defeat 51s

Tuesday, May 15, 2001 | 9:31 a.m.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- For five innings on Monday night at Raley Field, Las Vegas starter Mark Kiefer was almost unhittable.

Kiefer had yielded just one hit, a third-inning RBI double by Sacramento second baseman Jose Ortiz that barely bounced fair inside the left-field line, as the 51s built a 3-1 lead.

Then came the bottom of the sixth.

Kiefer faced five batters and couldn't record an out as Sacramento (19-19) rallied for four runs en route to a 5-3 victory over the 51s (15-23).

First baseman Jason Hart hit a long sacrifice fly off Las Vegas reliever Onan Masaoka to drive in left fielder Robin Jennings with what proved to be the winning run. Right fielder Adam Piatt and catcher Cody McKay added RBI singles in the uprising, which also featured a bases-loaded RBI walk to RiverCats DH Andy Abad.

Kiefer, who began the year in the bullpen for Las Vegas, threw a season-high 99 pitches before leaving. His record dropped to 0-5.

Catcher Brian Johnson hit his fifth home run of the season to lead the 51s offensively.

Veteran knuckleballer Dennis Springer, cut in spring training by the Oakland Athletics, made his Las Vegas debut and allowed just one hit and no runs over the final two innings.

The two teams conclude their four-game series here with a 12:05 game this afternoon. The 51s begin an eight-game homestand on Thursday night against the Fresno Grizzlies at Cashman Field.