Five-run eighth inning sends Tacoma past 51s, 6-4

The Tacoma Rainiers scored five runs in the eighth inning to rally past Las Vegas and beat the 51s 6-4 Friday night in Tacoma, Wash.

Las Vegas (20-9) scored twice in the top of the eighth to take a 3-1 lead before the Rainiers (14-12) stormed back in the first of a four-game series.

The 51s’ loss marred a strong effort by starting pitcher Logan Verrett. He gave up five hits and one run in seven innings before handing the ball to the bullpen.

51s relievers Joel Carreno and Zack Thornton took the mound in the eighth, and they combined to give up five runs, three hits and five walks in one-third of an inning.

Las Vegas attempted to rally in the ninth, with Wilmer Flores hitting a solo home run to left field, but the 51s scored no more runs. Flores went 4-for-5 with three runs, two homers and two RBIs.