Tacoma Reigns Over Albuquerque

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Alex Guerrero wasted no time making his mark with the Albuquerque Isotopes (5-5), smashing a three-run home run deep over the left field fence, accounting for the Isotopes only runs in their 8-3 loss to the Tacoma Rainiers (4-5).

Guerrero just joined the Isotopes prior to Saturday night's game, and after flying out in his first at-bat, the 27-year-old infielder recorded his first Triple-A hit with a double over the right fielder's head in the fourth inning. With Albuquerque trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the sixth, Guerrero hit his long ball to put the 'Topes ahead 3-1.

That lead didn't hold up as Tacoma quickly struck for three runs in the top of the seventh to regain the lead 4-3. Chris Taylor provided the big hit for the Rainiers - a two-out, two-run double off of Colt Hynes. Hynes suffered his first loss of the season, as well as a blown save. The Rainiers tacked on four more against Josh Judy in the ninth to secure their second straight win over the Isotopes.

Red Patterson started for the Isotopes and scattered seven hits over six innings, allowing only a single run to cross in the third. He also struck out four and walked none. Clay Rapada earned the win for Tacoma, despite allowing all of Albuquerque's runs.

The Isotopes were just 1-for-13 with runners in scoring position on the day, leaving 11 men on base. Clint Robinson and Alex Guerrero accounted for five of the 'Topes eight hits. Four Isotopes were hitless on the day.

The Isotopes return to action tomorrow, Monday, April 14, for the series finale against Tacoma. Right-hander Stephen Fife (0-2, 14.73 ERA) is set to take the hill for Albuquerque, while the Rainiers have yet to announce their starter.