Las Vegas Rolls Tacoma, 9-4

LAS VEGAS, Nev. - The Tacoma Rainiers were handed a 9-4 loss by the Las Vegas 51s in the opener of a four-game series on Friday night at Cashman Field.

Rainiers starting pitcher Adrian Sampson turned in 4.0 innings of work and allowed seven runs (five earned) on 10 hits with one walk and four strikeouts.

Tacoma's offense gathered 10 hits, three of which came off the bat of Chris Taylor, who finished the night 3-for-4 with a triple, a run scored, and an RBI. Mike Zunino (2x4) and Julio Morban (2x4) posted the Rainiers other multi-hit efforts.

The 51s raced out to a 7-0 lead with four runs in the third inning and three runs in the fourth - they swatted eight hits in those two frames, including two doubles and one home run by Dilson Herrera.

Taylor led off the top of the sixth with a triple for Tacoma and came around to score the club's first run on single by Zunino, cutting Las Vegas' lead to 7-1.

The home club responded with a pair of insurance runs in the bottom of the sixth to extend their advantage to 9-1. The first 51s batter in the frame drew a walk and Brandon Nimmo brought them both in with a home run to right field.

Tacoma compiled a three-run rally in the top of the ninth inning, fueled by three consecutive RBI singles from Jones, Taylor, and Zunino - the rally cut the deficit to 9-4 before grinding to a halt.

Tacoma will turn to left-hander Mike Montgomery (4-3, 3.94) as they continue their series with Las Vegas tomorrow, September 5. The 51s are expected to start lefty Darin Gorski (10-8, 5.12). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

All tickets, group outings and suites packages for the 2015 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.