Rainiers Take Series, Defeat Storm Chasers 7-5
May 17, 2016 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Tacoma Rainiers News Release
TACOMA, Wash. - The Tacoma Rainiers (23-16) secured the series win with a 7-5 victory over the visiting Omaha Storm Chasers (21-17) on Tuesday afternoon at Cheney Stadium.
The victory gave Tacoma its first series victory over Omaha since sweeping the Storm Chasers 4-0 on the road in 2008.
Starting pitcher Adrian Sampson held the Storm Chasers to two runs on eight hits across 6.2 innings of work - he walked one and struck out three and did not factor into the decision.
Catcher Rob Brantly (3x4), designated hitter Mike Zunino (2x4), and third baseman Ed Lucas (2x4) all posted multi-hit efforts in the series finale while combining for three runs and five RBI.
The Rainiers worked their way on to the scoreboard first with a pair of runs in the bottom of the third inning. Lucas sent a single to left field and came around to score when Brantly smacked a two-run home run over the right field wall, handing Tacoma the 2-0 lead.
Omaha evened the score in the top of the fourth inning with a solo home run from Hunter Dozier. Dusty Coleman followed by roping a triple to the center field fence and came around to score on a single from Parker Morin to draw even with the Rainiers at 2-2.
Efren Navarro reached base in the fourth on a fielding error by shortstop Dusty Coleman and came around to score two batters later on a two-run home run from Mike Baxter. The home run marks Baxter's fourth of the year and third in the last two games.
The Storm Chasers struck back in the top of the eighth inning, plating a trio of runs. Brett Eibner and Jose Martinez led off the inning with back-to-back walks and came around to score on a two-run double from Dozier. Dozier advanced to third on a groundout and scored on a fielding error by shortstop Chris Taylor, giving Omaha the 5-4 advantage.
The Rainiers regained the lead with three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning, sending nine batters to the plate in the process. Zunino opened the frame with a single to left field, Baxter drew a walk, and both advanced one base on a sacrifice bunt by Chris Taylor. Following an intentional walk to Luis Sardinas to load the bases, third baseman Ed Lucas sent an RBI single to left field scoring Zunino. Brantly then laced a two-run single into center field, to give the Rainiers the 7-5 edge.
Relievers Casey Coleman, Paul Fry, Jonathan Aro, and Blake Parker combined to hold Omaha to two hits and three runs (two earned) over the final 2.1 innings of the game. Parker earned his eighth save of the season.
The Rainiers enjoy an off day tomorrow before hosting the Iowa Cubs on Thursday, May 19. Right-hander Donn Roach (2-2, 7.39) will open the series for Tacoma, while Iowa is scheduled to start righty Ryan Williams (3-1, 3.49). First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 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.
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