Isotopes Drop Back-And-Forth Game to Tacoma, 10-9

July 9, 2024 – Pacific Coast League (PCL)
Albuquerque Isotopes News Release

Albuquerque, NM – Isotopes first baseman Grant Lavigne capped a four-run seventh inning with a 451-foot, three-run blast to center field, giving Albuquerque a 9-7 lead. However, Tacoma responded by plating a trio in the eighth, led by Cade Marlowe’s two-run homer.

Elehuris Montero led off the ninth with a single, but the next three Albuquerque batters were retired – including a 407-foot flyout to center by Jimmy Herron. Carlos Vargas was able to nail down the save and secure a 10-9, series-opening victory for the Rainiers on Tuesday night at Isotopes Park.

Topes Scope: – The Isotopes lost a game when leading by three or more runs for the eighth time in 2024, including the third occurrence in their prior 11 contests (also: June 27 vs. Salt Lake, July 6 at El Paso). – Albuquerque is slumping through their first three-game losing streak since June 2-7 (five losses total: finale vs. Oklahoma City, first four contests at Sacramento).

– Tacoma has won five of the last six series openers against the Isotopes, dating back to June 24, 2021 in the Duke City.

– The Isotopes pitching staff allowed double-digits in the run column for the 22nd time this season, dropping to 1-21 in such instances (last: June 29 vs. Salt Lake, 13-2 defeat). It was the third time they have suffered the fate in their last four home games.

– Albuquerque lost for the eighth time when scoring nine or more runs (last: May 17 vs. Sugar Land, 14-12 defeat).

– The Isotopes dropped to 7-16 in one-run games this season, dropping a contest by a tally for the second time in three outings (last: 5-4 loss at El Paso, July 6).

– Lavigne delivered Albuquerque’s 10th go-ahead hit in the seventh inning or later this season, and first since Connor Kaiser hit a walk-off two-run double in the 11th on June 28 vs. Salt Lake.

– Herron led the way offensively for the Isotopes, going 4-for-5, including a solo homer in the fifth. He was a triple short of the cycle. Herron is 13-for-23 with three doubles, two long balls and 14 RBI in six contests started in July. He tied a career-high with three hits, last accomplished April 8, 2023 vs. Salt Lake.

– Greg Jones snapped a 2-for-29 drought by going 2-for-5 with a pair of singles. It was his ninth multi-hit game of the campaign and first since June 28 vs. Salt Lake.

– Elehuris Montero was 2-for-5, his second multi-hit effort in four games since rejoining the Isotopes.

– Jake Bird commenced his…