The Albuquerque Isotopes made history Friday night, and they did it in style—crushing the El Paso Chihuahuas 26-8 in a game that will be remembered for years to come. That's right, folks: the Isotopes set a new franchise record for the most runs scored in a single game, and every player in the lineup contributed with at least one hit, one run, and one RBI.

It was a team effort for the ages. Eight players recorded multi-hit games, while seven drove in multiple runs and scored multiple times. The offensive explosion was led by Sterlin Thompson, who put on a show with a perfect 5-for-5 night, including two doubles, a home run, and two walks. Thompson reached base seven times, tying a franchise highlight that's as rare as it is impressive.

This wasn't just a big win—it was a historic one. According to MLB Database research, the Isotopes are now just the third team in the Pacific Coast League (PCL) to score 26 or more runs in a game since 2005, joining Tucson (28-5 win over Salt Lake in 2006) and Round Rock (26-11 win over Las Vegas in 2019). What's more, Albuquerque's 26 runs are the most by any team in affiliated professional baseball since April 2024, when Durham topped Lehigh Valley 28-10.

The records didn't stop there. For the first time in Isotopes history, four different players each scored four runs in the same game—a testament to the lineup's relentless energy and discipline at the plate. Thompson's five-hit performance was the 33rd in franchise history, and his second career five-hit game, following Aaron Schunk's 5-for-6 effort last September.

Vimael Machin also had a night to remember, reaching base six times on a 3-for-3 night with three walks, extending his on-base streak to 15 games. Meanwhile, Chad Stevens continued his red-hot start to the season, going 2-for-6 and stretching his on-base streak to 25 games—every game he's played this season with a plate appearance. That ties him with Toledo's Ben Malgeri for the longest active streak in Minor League Baseball. Stevens has now reached base in 35 consecutive contests overall, dating back to his time with Salt Lake last September.

This isn't the first time the Isotopes have lit up the scoreboard against El Paso recently. In their last 15 meetings, Albuquerque has scored 19 or more runs three times, showing a knack for turning these matchups into offensive showcases. Friday night's 26-run outburst, however, was the crown jewel—a performance that fans, players, and anyone who loves a good baseball slugfest won't soon forget.