Padlo homers in River Cats’ series-opening defeat

West Sacramento, Calif. — A monster day from rehabbing Seattle outfielder Kyle Lewis was too much to overcome, as the Sacramento River Cats (18-19) fell to the Tacoma Rainiers (12-25) in Tuesday’s series-opener at Sutter Health Park.

Lewis went 2-for-4 with a three-run home run and a two-run double, while Tacoma third baseman Erick Mejia added another three RBIs going 2-for-4 with a homer and two runs.

The two homers spoiled an otherwise productive outing from Sacramento right-hander Sean Hjelle (2-2). Hjelle struck out a season-high six while allowing six runs on eight hits and one walk in 5.1 innings.

The River Cats held the lead at two different points in the game before Lewis and the Rainiers exploded for seven straight runs.

Sacramento second baseman Donovan Walton, who was acquired by San Francisco on May 11 from Tacoma’s parent club Seattle, plated the game’s first run in the bottom of the first with a double to left which scored right fielder Heliot Ramos.

The River Cats regained the lead in the fourth when designated hitter Ricardo Genovés knocked in left fielder Austin Dean with a sacrifice-fly.

First baseman Kevin Padlo also knocked in a run against his former team, lining a solo home run in the sixth inning.

Right-hander Raynel Espinal (2-0, 3.38) will take the mound on Wednesday. He’ll face righty Darren McCaughan (1-3, 6.86) at 12:05 p.m. (PT). Listen to Johnny Doskow call the game online at rivercats.com or on the MiLB First Pitch app.

Additional Notes

· Right-hander Jeremy Walker had a strong outing, striking out three in 2.0 scoreless innings of relief.

· Ramos, the Giants’ No. 5 prospect on MLB Pipeline, went 1-for-4 with a run, a double, and a hit-by-pitch.