Taijuan Walker strikes out nine as Tacoma clinches series win
August 15, 2014 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Tacoma Rainiers News Release
METAIRIE, La. -- The Tacoma Rainiers used a 12-hit barrage to top the New Orleans Zephyrs 6-3 at Zephyr Field on Friday night.
Three of those hits arrived in the top of the first inning, when the Rainiers jumped out to an early 2-0 lead. With the bases loaded, second baseman Ty Kelly delivered a double that plated both Michael Saunders and Stefen Romero and ultimately put the Rainiers on top for good.
Tacoma's 2-1 lead stretched back to two runs following a solo home run hit by Xavier Avery in the second, and then increased to 4-1 after Justin Smoak scored on John Hicks' sacrifice fly hit in the fifth. The Rainiers added their fifth and sixth runs in the ninth innings thanks to Nate Tenbrink's RBI double and another sac fly hit by Hicks.
A victory in their finale at New Orleans clinched a series win for Tacoma over the Zephyrs and placed the Rainiers five games over .500 for the first time this season.
Starter Taijuan Walker (6-3) collected the win after holding New Orleans to one run on three hits in 6.0 innings. The right-hander struck out nine batters and walked three in his 12th start with the Rainiers this season.
The Rainiers (66-61) begin the second leg of an eight-game road trip when they open a four-game series at Round Rock tomorrow, August 16. Right-hander Erasmo Ramirez (3-5, 3.76) is scheduled to start for Tacoma. The Express are slated to start left-hander Lisalverto Bonilla (3-1, 4.43). First pitch is scheduled for 4 p.m.
To purchase season tickets, group packages or party decks for the 2014 season, call (253) 752-7707 or email tickets@tacomarainiers.com . Up-to-date news and notes throughout the 2014 season can be found at www.tacomarainiers.com and by following the Rainiers on Twitter ( @RainiersLand ) or liking the team on Facebook.
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