Gagne returns to Vegas, gets save

Dodgers closer Eric Gagne began his rehab assignment with a save, working a scoreless ninth inning to nail down the Las Vegas 51s' 8-5 victory over the Salt Lake Bees on Friday.

The 30-year-old right-hander, who has missed much of the last two seasons due to injuries, fanned two while throwing 11 of 17 pitches for strikes.

Working his way back from surgery to remove a nerve near his elbow on April 7, Gagne threw a pair of batting practice sessions before his outing against the Bees (28-19). If all goes well, he could be back with Los Angeles as soon as June 1.

Las Vegas starter D.J. Houlton (2-4) got the win, despite giving up five runs on seven hits and one walk with two strikeouts in six innings.

Jeff Duncan and Wilson Valdez each had three hits and an RBI as the 51s (27-21) snapped a three-game losing streak.

Bees starter Steven Shell (1-2) was charged with six runs on 10 hits and one walk with one strikeout in five innings.

Ryan Budde and Jeff Mathis homered for Salt Lake.