Rainiers Complete Sweep of Cubs
May 22, 2016 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Tacoma Rainiers News Release
TACOMA, Wash. - The Tacoma Rainiers (27-16) earned a four-game series sweep with an 8-1 decision over the Iowa Cubs (18-23) Sunday afternoon at Cheney Stadium.
The Rainiers extend their winning streak to six games, equaling their season high. The win also marks the club's first sweep over Iowa since July 26-29, 2005, a four-game series played in Tacoma.
Center fielder Boog Powell (2x4), shortstop Luis Sardinas (2x3), and right fielder Stefen Romero (2x4) all posted multi-hit efforts while combining for six runs and four RBI.
Tacoma struck first with a run in the bottom of the opening frame. Romero smacked a two-out triple to straight-away center field and came around to score on a double down the right field line from first baseman Efren Navarro.
Moments before the game was sent into a 39-minute rain delay in the top of the third inning, the Cubs evened the score on an RBI single to left field from Albert Almora Jr.
The Rainiers blew open the game by scoring four runs in the bottom of the third inning. Powell smashed a solo home run over the right field wall, followed by a three-run home run to left-center field from designated hitter Mike Zunino, giving Tacoma the 5-1 advantage.
Powell led off the home half of the fifth inning with a triple into the right-center field gap and came around to score on an RBI single from Sardinas.
Romero crushed a two-run home run to left field in the bottom of the seventh inning to continue the Rainiers offensive onslaught, pushing Tacoma's lead to 8-1.
Rainiers starting pitcher Brad Mills went 2.1 innings, allowing one run on two hits, while striking out two and issuing two walks before the rain delay - he did not return to the mound following the resumption of the game.
Relievers Cody Martin, Justin De Fratus, Casey Coleman, and Blake Parker worked a combined 6.2 innings for Tacoma, allowing five hits while striking out seven.
The Rainiers hit the road to kick off a four-game series against the Round Rock Express tomorrow, Monday, May 23. Right-hander Adrian Sampson (4-2, 3.00) will open the series for Tacoma, while Round Rock is scheduled to start left-hander Michael Roth (3-1, 1.55). First pitch is set for 5:05 p.m. PT.
All tickets, group outings and suites packages for the 2016 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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