Tacoma Stumbles Against El Paso, 3-1

TACOMA, Wash. -- The Tacoma Rainiers were limited to a season-low two hits in a 3-1 loss to the El Paso Chihuahuas at Cheney Stadium on Monday.

Ty Kelly notched Tacoma's first knock after doubling in the bottom of the fourth inning, and went on to score the team's lone run thanks to a throwing error committed shortstop Jace Peterson later in the frame. Jesus Montero tallied the Rainiers only other hit when he led off the seventh inning with an infield single.

The Rainiers entered today's game ranked first in the Pacific Coast League with a .294 team batting average. After today, Tacoma has now been limited to five hits or fewer in five of their last eight games - something that had occurred just twice over the team's first 41 games played this season.

Brooks Conrad gave El Paso a 2-0 lead after hitting a two-run home run in the third inning. Catcher Rocky Gale stretched El Paso's 2-1 edge back to two runs when he delivered an RBI single in the ninth.

Starter Andrew Carraway was dealt the loss after surrendering two runs on eight hits in 7.0 innings. The right-hander struck out five Chihuahuas batters and walked two. Reliever Lucas Luetge allowed one run on three hits in 2.0 innings of work out of the bullpen. 

The Rainiers (21-28) begin the final leg of a 12-day, 13-game homestand when the Salt Lake Bees head to Cheney for a four-game series starting tomorrow, May 26. Right-hander Jordan Pries (3-2, 1.80) is scheduled to start for Tacoma in the series opener against Bees right-hander Jarrett Grube (2-2, 3.95). First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m.

To purchase season tickets, group packages or party decks for the 2014 season, call (253) 752-7707 or email [email protected]. Up-to-date news and notes leading up to the start of the 2014 season can be found at www.tacomarainiers.com and by following the Rainiers on Twitter (@RainiersLand) or liking the team on Facebook.