Buckner, Timely Hitting Lead Sidewinders To Win

Published on May 16, 2008 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Tucson Sidewinders News Release

Tacoma, WA - Billy Buckner scattered seven hits over seven innings and allowed just two runs as the Sidewinders beat the Tacoma Rainiers 5-2 on Thursday night at Cheney Stadium.

Chad Tracy went 1 for 5 with two RBI and Emilio Bonifacio and Jesus Merchan also drove in runs to lead the Sidewinders offense. Jamie D'Antona went 2 for 4 with a pair of doubles and is now hitting .512 over his last 22 games.

The Sidewinders erased an early 1-0 deficit with three runs on four hits and an error in the top of the third inning. After Matt Morgan and Trent Oeltjen put together back-to-back one out hits, Bonifacio singled to left to plate Morgan. Alex Romero's ground ball was misplayed by Tacoma first baseman Bryan LaHair to score another run, and Tracy followed with a single up the middle to give the Sidewinders a 3-1 lead.

Buckner (2-3) struck out four and walked one in his seven innings. He has put together four straight quality starts and his road ERA is 1.33

Jesus Merchan and Chad Tracy added RBI groundouts in the sixth and seventh respectively to give the Sidewinders some insurance.

Leo Rosales earned his fourth save with two near perfect innings. Rosales allowed only a two out single to Charlton Jimerson in the ninth, the first hit he has allowed this year in a save situation.

The Sidewinders and Rainiers play game two of their series on Friday night at Cheney Stadium. Right-hander Juan Gutierrez (1-6, 4.64) starts for Tucson against right-hander Chris Jakubauskas (1-0, 1.69) for Tacoma. First pitch is at 7:00. The game will air live on COOL 1450 beginning at 6:50.

Pacific Coast League Stories from May 16, 2008

• Royals Squash 'Topes Bats in Opener - Albuquerque Isotopes
• Beavers win seventh consecutive home game - Portland Beavers
• Rainiers score early and late to down Sidewinders - Tacoma Rainiers
• Phelps, 'Birds slug RedHawks - Memphis Redbirds
• Branyan Belts Three Homers, Sounds Win 10-8 - Nashville Sounds
• Branyan drills three home runs in Z's loss - New Orleans Baby Cakes
• Sadler Called Up From Double-A - Round Rock Express
• Oklahoma RedHawks Game Notes - Oklahoma City Comets
• AutoZone Park ready to see pink - Memphis Redbirds
• Mike Aviles named Minor League Player of the Month by "El Vocero" - Omaha Storm Chasers
• Buckner, Timely Hitting Lead Sidewinders To Win - Tucson Sidewinders
• Royals Game Notes - Omaha Storm Chasers
• Eat, Drink and Be Merry Over Savings - Omaha Storm Chasers
• Dropkick Murphys Come To Mccoy Stadium On July 12 - PCL1

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