Bees Fly By Rainiers, 6-5
July 22, 2015 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Tacoma Rainiers News Release
TACOMA, Wash. - The Tacoma Rainiers watched a late lead slip away in their 6-5 loss to the Salt Lake Bees on Tuesday night at Cheney Stadium.
Tyler Olson struck out the Bees in order in the eighth inning but began the ninth by loading the bases on a walk, a hit batter, and a single before being relieved by Mayckol Guaipe. Guaipe's second pitch to second baseman Josh Rutledge yielded a bases-clearing double to left field that gave Salt Lake the 6-5 edge.
Rainiers starting pitcher Jordan Pries fanned six through 7.0 innings of work, surrendering just three runs on seven hits and walking only one. The quality start put him in line for his fifth win of the season when he exited the game after the seventh inning.
Justin Ruggiano led the way on offense with a trio of runs scored and a 3-for-5 performance at the plate. Stefen Romero, Patrick Kivlehan, John Hicks, and Zach Shank all chipped in with two-hit nights as the Rainiers offense totaled 13 hits, 11 of which were singles.
Salt Lake jumped out to an early 1-0 lead after Kyle Kubitza drew a two-out walk and came around to score on consecutive singles from Efren Navarro and Kaleb Cowart in the first inning.
Back-to-back singles to open the Rainiers half of the first moved Ketel Marte to third base, putting him in position to score on Jesus Montero's ensuing double play ball. Kivlehan, freshly returned from the Pan-Am games, singled in Ruggiano from second base to give Tacoma a 2-1 lead.
Salt Lake reclaimed the lead with a pair of runs in the fourth inning. Jett Bandy took a pitch off the arm and Josh Rutledge doubled them both into scoring position to set up a two-run single from D'Arby Myers to give the Bees a 3-2 advantage.
The Rainiers ran into two quick outs in the fifth inning before mounting a two-run rally to retake the lead. Ruggiano's fifth home run of the season was deposited into the "R" Yard to knot up the score 3-3. A throwing error placed Jabari Blash on first base and Kivlehan lined a triple to straightaway center to plate Blash and give Tacoma a 4-3 lead.
Hicks roped a double down the left field line with two outs in the seventh inning to score Ruggiano and give the Rainiers a two-run cushion going into the final two frames.
The Rainiers (45-52) and Bees (40-57) continue the series with game three tomorrow, July 22. Left-hander Roenis Elias (2-0, 7.12) will take the mound for Tacoma, while Salt Lake is expected to utilize the services of righty Drew Rucinski (5-4, 5.05). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
All tickets, group outings and suites packages for the 2015 season are available for purchase in-person at the Cheney Stadium Box Office, online at www.tacomarainiers.com, or over the phone at (253) 752-7707. The most up-to-date news and notes about the Rainiers throughout the season can be found by following the Rainiers on Twitter (@RainiersLand) or liking the team on Facebook.
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