'Topes Run Past Rainiers in Classic Albuquerque Affa
May 17, 2023 - Pacific Coast League (PCL)
Tacoma Rainiers News Release
Albuquerque, NM - The Tacoma Rainiers (18-22) were roundly defeated by the Albuquerque Isotopes (17-23) on Tuesday in the series opener, by an ABQ-typical final of 17-8. Amidst their high elevation, Albuquerque leads all 30 Triple-A clubs with 295 runs scored, despite being six games under .500.
Tacoma's 10th loss in 13 games was not without its highlights; catcher Brian O'Keefe (3rd inning) and second baseman Kean Wong (6th inning) each drove three-run homers to left field. O'Keefe's pull shot was his ninth of the year, Wong's opposite field blast was his third.
The Isotopes scored in seven of the eight innings they batted in, the exception being the fourth. They scored five times in the second. With 21 hits, all ABQ batters hit safely, eight had multiple hits and four players (Yonathan Daza, Elehuris Montero, Aaron Schunk, Connor Kaiser) had three hits apiece.
Montero and Schunk (triple) each drove in four runs (3 RBI for Daza). Kaiser hit two doubles and a triple, while Daza (solo), Montero (2-run), Jonathan Morales (solo) and Nolan Jones (solo) all homered for the home side.
The final Rainiers run scored in the seventh, when Cooper Hummel singled home Mike Ford (walk, stolen base). Ford also scored Tacoma's first run in the second (single), on a Mason McCoy RBI groundout. McCoy and Wong each had two base hits.
The weeklong series will continue on Wednesday, a 5:35 PT/6:35 MT first pitch at Isotopes Park. Tacoma plans to start RHP Nick Davila against Albuquerque RHP Jeff Criswell.
Rainiers broadcaster Mike Curto will have full coverage on TacomaRainiers.com. All 2023 Rainiers games, home and away, can also be heard for free on the MiLB First Pitch app. HD video broadcasts of every home game can be viewed with a MiLB.TV subscription.
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Pacific Coast League Stories from May 17, 2023
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