Tauchman claims Isotopes Hitting Streak Record in Victory
Mike Tauchman's hitting streak reached 22 games on Friday night, establishing a new Isotopes record as he helped Albuquerque (68-72) to a 7-2 victory in El Paso.
Tauchman extended his streak with an RBI triple to left-center field in the fifth inning, his only hit of the night. The outfielder surpassed Jerry Sands' 21-game hitting streak (July 27-August 20, 2012) for the longest in team history. Tauchman is batting .418 (33-for-79) during his streak that began on August 12 at Colorado Springs.
Both teams were held scoreless through the first four innings of the game until the Isotopes struck for four runs in the fifth inning. Joey Wong put Albuquerque ahead with an RBI single before starting pitcher Kyle Freeland drove in a run with a sacrifice fly to center. Tauchman followed with an RBI triple and Pat Valaika brought home the final run of the inning with a single to left.
Dustin Garneau extended Albuquerque's lead to 6-0 in the sixth inning with a two-run home run over the left field wall. The home run was Garneau's 13th of the year.
Jose Rondon ended the Isotopes bid for a shutout with a two-run double in the seventh inning to put the Chihuahuas on the board. The Isotopes would get their final run of the contest on Jordan Patterson's 14th home run of the season in the eighth inning.
Freeland earned his sixth win with Isotopes, pitching six scoreless innings while allowing four hits and three walks. The lefty also struck out four batters during his outing.
The Isotopes and Chihuahuas continue their series tomorrow evening from Southwest University Park with German Marquez (1-0, 4.88) getting the start for Albuquerque. El Paso will send right-hander Bryan Rodriguez (4-7, 5.11) to the hill. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.