Isotopes Split Series With Tacoma

NEED TO KNOW: The Albuquerque Isotopes (9-7) dropped a 3-2 pitchers' duel to the Tacoma Rainiers (6-10) Friday night at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma, WA. The Isotopes and Rainiers split their four-game series, Albuquerque's third series split of the season.

DECIDING MOMENT: The Isotopes and Rainiers traded runs in the first before both pitchers settled in for several scoreless frames. Tacoma cracked through first, scoring single runs in the fifth and sixth to take control of the game. A leadoff double in the fifth was followed by a pair of singles to give the Rainiers a 2-1 advantage before a two-out single from former Isotope John Baker added another run in the sixth. Albuquerque managed to score a run in the seventh to cut Tacoma's lead in half, but the Topes couldn't do any more damage.

ASTOUNDING ADAMES: Shortstop Cristhian Adames continued his solid work with a solo home run in the top of the first Friday night. With his 1-for-4 performance, he now has 19 hits during his last 13 games, including a team-leading seven multi-hit games. He also has 10 runs scored, three doubles, three homers, eight RBI, six walks and only three strikeouts. Adames is batting .396 (19-for-48) since April 12. Adames has three home runs in his last four games, which ties a single-season second-best for the 23-year-old.

THEY HAD A CHANCE: After scoring a run in the seventh, the Isotopes still had runners on the corners with only one out, but a double play ended the threat. A leadoff single in the eighth was wasted after three straight fly outs. Perhaps Albuquerque's best chance to tie the game came after a leadoff triple from Ben Paulsen in the ninth. Following a strikeout, a sharp groundball prevented Paulsen from scoring before a fly ball to center field ended the game.

ON DECK: The Isotopes will conclude their 12-game, 13-day road trip with a four-game series at Las Vegas beginning at 8:05 p.m. Saturday. Right-hander Jon Gray (0-2, 9.00) is scheduled to take the hill for Albuquerque, while the 51s are slated to send righty Noah Syndergaard (0-0, 4.70)

IN THE HOLE: The Isotopes will wrap up their season-longest 12-game, 13-day road trip with a four-game set in Las Vegas against the 51s. The Topes return home on April 30 to host the Salt Lake Bees on College Night. Any college student, faculty or staff can present their college ID at the Isotopes Park Box Office to receive an $8 ticket a coupon for six free wings at Buffalo Wild Wings.