Isotopes Drop Series Opener to Sacramento

The Isotopes (56-67) opened their four-game set with the Sacramento River Cats (50-73) with a 4-2 loss on Thursday. The defeat moves the Isotopes back to a season-high 11 games under .500.

Receiving a no-decision, Albuquerque starter Sam Howard had a solid outing on the hill. The southpaw tossed 5.2 innings, allowing two runs on four hits. Howard did not issue a walk while striking out four.
The River Cats tacked on two more runs in the eighth inning after sending seven batters to the plate in the frame against Isotopes reliever Jerry Vasto.
At the plate, the Isotopes recorded seven hits with only Jordan Patterson and Anthony Bemboom driving in runs.
Mike Tauchman connected on the only extra-base hit of the game for Albuquerque, a double in the sixth inning.
The Isotopes and River Cats continue their series on Friday from Isotopes Park. Right-handed 21-year-old Peter Lambert will toe the rubber for the Isotopes. First pitch from Isotopes Park is set for 6:35 p.m.