Rainiers Fall To 'Topes, 4-3, Split Series
May 9, 2016 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Tacoma Rainiers News Release
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - The Tacoma Rainiers (18-14) gave way late in a 4-3 loss to the Albuquerque Isotopes (18-13) on Monday afternoon at Isotopes Ballpark.
After playing three innings tied at 3-3, the Isotopes worked across the winning run in the bottom of the eighth inning to grab the victory and split the series with the Rainiers.
Tacoma starting pitcher Joe Wieland notched his first quality start of the season, allowing three runs on four hits across 6.0 innings of work - he walked three, struck out five, and did not factor in to the decision.
Shortstop Chris Taylor reached base four times in the contest, finished the day 2-for-3 with a triple, two walks, one run scored, and one RBI. No other Tacoma batters posted more than one hit, as the offense combined for just five base knocks.
With two outs and the bases loaded in the bottom of the second, Isotopes shortstop Daniel Descalso drew a four-pitch walk to bring in the first run of the game. Brandon Barnes followed with a two-run single to left field to give Albuquerque a 3-0 lead.
The Rainiers countered with a pair of runs in the top of the third inning to cut the Isotopes lead to 3-2. Third baseman Ed Lucas opened the frame with a double, moved to third on a passed ball, and came around to score on an RBI single from shortstop Chris Taylor. Center fielder Boog Powell, who walked just ahead of Taylor, moved to third on the single and scored on a sacrifice fly by first baseman Stefen Romero.
Tacoma Designated hitter Mike Baxter lined a bases-loaded single into right field in the top of the fifth to score Taylor and even the score at 3-3.
Brandon Barnes drew a leadoff walk to open the bottom of the eighth for the Isotopes, took second on a passed ball, moved to third on a sacrifice bunt, and came across the plate for the winning run on a sacrifice fly to give Albuquerque the 4-3 lead.
Jonathan Aro (0-1) tossed the final 2.0 innings for Tacoma, ultimately taking his first loss of the year after allowing the winning run in the eighth inning.
Tacoma heads west to begin a four-game series against the division rival Fresno Grizzlies tomorrow, Tuesday, May 10. Right-hander Cody Martin (4-2, 6.75) is set to start for the Rainiers, while the Grizzlies are expected to start righty Brady Rodgers (1-2, 3.60). First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. PT.
All tickets, group outings and suites packages for the 2016 season are available for purchase in-person at the Cheney Stadium Box Office, online at www.tacomarainiers.com, or over the phone at (253) 752-7707. The most up-to-date news and notes about the Rainiers throughout the season can be found by following the Rainiers on Twitter (@RainiersLand) or liking the team on Facebook.
• Discuss this story on the Pacific Coast League message board...
Pacific Coast League Stories from May 9, 2016
- Goris Rounds the Bases Twice in Chihuahuas' 8-6 Win Monday - El Paso Chihuahuas
- Tepesch Deals as Round Rock Tops New Orleans 2-1 - Round Rock Express
- Memphis Tops Nashville 5-0 in Series Finale - Memphis Redbirds
- Clemens Pitches a Gem in Round Rock, But Z's Lose 2-1 - New Orleans Baby Cakes
- Sounds Lose Finale, Split Series with Memphis - Nashville Sounds
- Sky Sox Score Seven Runs in Seventh - Oklahoma City Baseball Club
- Rangers RH Yu Darvish to Start at Dell Diamond Thursday - Round Rock Express
- Seven-Run Seventh Propels Sky Sox to 7-3 Win - Colorado Springs Sky Sox
- Zephyrs, Sky Sox Meet for Four Games - New Orleans Baby Cakes
- May 14 to Feature Post-Game Fireworks Show - Albuquerque Isotopes
- Grizzlies' Brady Rodgers Named PCL Pitcher of the Week - Fresno Grizzlies
- Nashville Sounds Game Information: Memphis Redbirds (11-16) at Nashville Sounds (14-16) - Nashville Sounds
- Cardullo's Sacrifice Fly Sends Isotopes to Victory - Albuquerque Isotopes
- Storm Chasers Series Highlights: May 10-13 - Omaha Storm Chasers
- Reno Aces Doubleheader Information: Reno Aces (12-17) at Salt Lake Bees (17-13) - Reno Aces
- Rainiers Fall To 'Topes, 4-3, Split Series - Tacoma Rainiers
- Casey McElroy Named PCL Player of the Week - El Paso Chihuahuas
- Omaha Drops First Series of Season with 10-3 Defeat to Iowa - Omaha Storm Chasers
- I-Cubs Close Road Trip with Win - Iowa Cubs
- McElroy, Rodgers Rewarded for Weekly Play - PCL1
- Patton Optioned to Iowa - Iowa Cubs
- De La Rosa, Descalso Join Isotopes on Rehab Assignments - Albuquerque Isotopes
- Bees to Host Prevention Dimensions Kids Day - Salt Lake Bees
- OKC Dodgers Game Notes - May 9, 2015 - Oklahoma City Baseball Club
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
