Rainiers split weeklong series with ‘Topes

Tacoma, WA (6/18/23) – The Tacoma Rainiers (34-35) overcame an early deficit but were unable to hold a lead, falling 9-5 to the Albuquerque Isotopes (27-42) on Sunday at Cheney Stadium, splitting the series three games apiece. With the loss, the Rainiers missed an opportunity to climb above .500 for the first time since May 4, dropping a series finale for only the second time in their last 10.

The Isotopes started the scoring early, as an Aaron Schunk double brought in Cole Tucker (single) and Michael Toglia (walk) to put Albuquerque up 2-0 in the top of the first inning.

That lead would be short-lived though, as the Rainiers rallied back in the bottom of the second. After lining a 105.3 mph double to right, Cooper Hummel came around to score on an error, cutting Tacoma’s deficit to one. Two batters later, Mason McCoy followed suit, driving a double to left to score Pat Valaika (error) and Jack Larsen (single) to give the Rainiers the lead. Tacoma added two more runs in the fourth, thanks to a Larsen double, extending the advantage to 5-2.

Albuquerque got a run back in the fifth, with Hunter Stovall scoring Trevor Boone (triple) to shave a run off Tacoma’s lead and pull ABQ within two. An inning later, the Isotope offense exploded to the tune of six runs on four hits, all of which went for extra bases. Jimmy Herron led off the inning with a solo shot, Boone tripled home three, and Stovall launched a two-run shot to right-center, putting Albuquerque up 9-5.

Tacoma lefty starter Kyle Hart delivered a solid outing, pitching five innings while surrendering three runs on three hits and a walk, striking out seven along the way. Rainier relievers Stephen Kolek and Blake Weiman combined for 3.2 innings of one-run ball, allowing only three hits and striking out four.

The Isotope bullpen of Ty Blach, Riley Pint and Fernando Abad were strong, throwing 5.1 scoreless frames, allowing four hits and two walks to go along with four strikeouts.

The Rainiers finish up the first half of the season with a road trip to El Paso, where they’ll face the Chihuahuas for the final time this year – Tacoma won the first series at home five games to one, outscoring El Paso by 21 runs. Game one will feature Rainiers RHP Marcus Walden opposite RHP Anderson Espinoza, with first pitch slated for 5:35 p.m. PT (6:35 MT) on Tuesday at Southwest University Park.

Rainiers broadcaster Mike Curto will have full coverage on TacomaRainiers.com. All 2023 Rainiers games, home and away, can also be heard for free on the MiLB First Pitch app. HD video broadcasts of every home game can be viewed with a MiLB.TV subscription.

About the Tacoma Rainiers

The Tacoma Rainiers are the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. The Rainiers are a member of the Pacific Coast League and have been a Mariners affiliate since establishing the Rainiers moniker in 1995.

The most up-to-date news and notes about the Tacoma Rainiers and Cheney Stadium can be found by following the Rainiers on Twitter (@RainiersLand), Instagram (@tacomarainiers) and liking the team on Facebook.