Las Vegas Edges Tacoma, 6-5

LAS VEGAS, Nev. - The Tacoma Rainiers (33-23) dropped their second consecutive game to the Las Vegas 51s (30-26), a 6-5 decision, on Sunday afternoon at Cashman Field.

The Rainiers out-hit the 51s in the back-and-forth affair, but ultimately came up short. Center fielder Zach Shank led the offense with 3-for-4 performance that included a pair of home runs. Third baseman Patrick Kivlehan (2x5) turned in the club's only other multi-hit effort.

Right-hander Andrew Kittredge, making a spot start for Tacoma, worked 4.0 innings and allowed three runs (one earned) on three hits while walking one and striking out two - he did not factor into the decision.

Las Vegas jumped out to a 3-0 lead on a sacrifice fly from Brandon Nimmo and a two-run home run off the bat of Eric Campbell in the bottom of the first inning.

Shank knocked his first home run of the season over the left field wall in the top of the third to give Tacoma their first run, cutting into the 51s lead at 3-1.

Back-to-back singles from Shank and shortstop Chris Taylor set up a two-run double from right fielder Mike Baxter in the top of the fifth to tie the game at 3-3. Three batters later, Kivlehan laced an RBI single to left field to score Baxter and give Tacoma a 4-3 lead.

The 51s quickly answered with a run in the bottom of the fifth to even the game once again, this time at 4-4. Herrera drew a two-out walk and came around to score two batters later on an RBI single from T.J. Rivera.

Shank's second home run of the afternoon came in the top of the sixth inning, another solo shot that put the Rainiers on top 5-4. It marked the first multi-home run game of Shank's career.

Again Las Vegas answered in the bottom of the frame - an RBI single from Travis Taijeron scored Campbell from third base and knotted up the score at 5-5.

Campbell drew his third walk of the contest to open the bottom of the eighth, advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt and proceeded to steal third base before being driven in on an RBI groundout by Taijeron, giving Las Vegas the winning run.

Tacoma put runners on the corners with two outs in the top of the ninth, but couldn't capitalize and ultimately fell to Las Vegas 6-5.

Tacoma left-hander Brad Mills (1-1, 3.71) and Las Vegas lefty Duane Below (4-3, 3.70) will square off as the Rainiers and 51s continue their series tomorrow, Monday, June 6. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 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.