Walker, Rainiers Thrash 'Topes, 8-3
August 2, 2016 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Tacoma Rainiers News Release
TACOMA, Wash. - The Tacoma Rainiers (64-45) rolled to an 8-3 victory over the Albuquerque Isotopes (47-61) on Monday night at Cheney Stadium.
Starting pitcher Taijuan Walker turned in 4.1 innings for the Rainiers, allowing two runs on three hits - He issued two walks and struck out one.
Walker's rehab appearance marked his first game since being placed on the 15-day Disabled List on July 6 with right foot tendinitis and his first start at Cheney Stadium since facing the Iowa Cubs on August 25, 2014.
Tacoma's offense was led by designated hitter D.J. Peterson (2x4), right fielder Stefen Romero (2x4), and second baseman Daniel Robertson (2x4). The trio combined for six runs and six RBI.
The Rainiers jumped out to a quick lead with three runs in the bottom of the first inning when Peterson launched a two-out, three-run home run to left-center field, giving Tacoma the 3-0 advantage.
Albuquerque answered with a run in the top of the second inning on an RBI fielder's choice groundout off the bat of Mike Tauchman scoring Ben Paulsen, cutting the Rainiers lead to two runs at 3-1.
Tacoma pushed their lead to 6-1 with three runs in the bottom half of the third inning. Peterson smacked a double to left-center field plating Rob Brantly, followed by a sacrifice fly to center field from Dario Pizzano to score Romero from third base. Tyler Smith then laced a two-out RBI single to right field scoring Peterson.
The Isotopes got one run back in the top of the fourth inning on a lead off solo home run over the left field fence from Paulsen, making it 6-2 in favor of the Rainiers.
Romero smashed a two-run home run to left field in the home half of the fourth inning, extending the Rainiers lead to 8-2.
Albuquerque added a run to make it 8-3 in the top of the eighth inning on a double down the right field line from Tom Murphy plating Stephen Cardullo.
Relievers Paul Fry and Joe Wieland combined to work the final 4.2 innings for Tacoma, allowing one run on four hits. The duo walked one and struck out seven.
Tacoma and Albuquerque wrap up their series tomorrow, Tuesday, August 2, with a first pitch scheduled for 11:35 a.m. PT. The Rainiers will turn to right-hander Zach Lee (0-3, 6.11) for the start, while the Isotopes hand the ball to right-hander Eddie Butler (4-2, 6.39).
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.
-
• Discuss this story on the Pacific Coast League message board...
Pacific Coast League Stories from August 2, 2016
- Walks Doom Express in 8-7 Defeat to Redbirds - Round Rock Express
- Brinson Powers Sky Sox to 7-3 Win - Colorado Springs Sky Sox
- Alcantara Dominant in Sounds Win, Sweep Zephyrs - Nashville Sounds
- Sounds Complete Sweep of Zephyrs - New Orleans Baby Cakes
- Sacramento Takes Series Finale - Salt Lake Bees
- River Cats Kill Bees' Buzz in Series Win - Sacramento River Cats
- Butler Strong in Isotopes 3-2 Win over Tacoma - Albuquerque Isotopes
- Hit by Pitch Scores Omaha's Only - Iowa Cubs
- Tacoma Drops Series Finale To Albuquerque, 3-2 - Tacoma Rainiers
- Las Vegas 10 El Paso 7 - El Paso Chihuahuas
- A.J. Reed and Jon Kemmer Lead Grizzles Over Aces 7-3 - Fresno Grizzlies
- Blackburn Buckles Bees' Knees in Shutout Win - Sacramento River Cats
- Walker, Rainiers Thrash 'Topes, 8-3 - Tacoma Rainiers
- Isotopes Fall 8-3 to Rainiers - Albuquerque Isotopes
- Frias Bests Banda as Grizzlies Beat Aces - Reno Aces
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
