PCL1 Tacoma Rainiers

Pitching, Matchups Highlight Upcoming Homestand

Published on May 19, 2010 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Tacoma Rainiers News Release


acoma, WA - Armed with one of the Pacific Coast League's top pitching staffs, the Tacoma Rainiers host the New Orleans Zephyrs and Oklahoma City RedHawks at Cheney Stadium for the first time since 2008.

With a 4-1 record and 1.64 ERA, starter Luke French ranks second among all PCL pitchers through his first eight starts this season. The left-hander leads the Rainiers rotation with seven quality starts over his first eight outings and is tops in the PCL with 55.0 innings pitched.

French is joined on the starting staff by fellow ace Steven Shell, who is fresh off tossing the Rainiers first complete-game shutout on the road against Nashville, May 12. The right-hander's nine-inning effort prolonged a scoreless innings streak to a team-high 21.1 frames that lasted over three starts from May 2-12. Shell is currently ranked fourth in the PCL with a 2.00 ERA and has held opposing batters to a league-low .188 average this season.

The New Orleans Zephyrs open the homestand at the Rainiers boasting a lineup that includes hot-hitting infielders Donnie Murphy and Danny Richar. Each is currently riding a three-game hit streak, with the duo combining to bat .522 with five extra-base hits and 10 RBI.

Tacoma closes things out at home against Oklahoma City in a match-up between two of the PCL's top five pitching teams. Left-hander Michael Kirkland's 4-1 record and 2.68 ERA fronts a RedHawks staff that is currently tops in the PCL with a combined 3.24 ERA and 280 strikeouts.

The eight-game homestand is also highlighted by several great promotions, beginning and ending with Tasty Thursday on May 20 and 27, as well as Friday Night Fireworks on May 21 and Little Caesars Family Meal Deal on Saturday, May 22.

Rainiers Promotions

Thursday, May 20th and 27th

Tasty Thursday - For just a dollar, get a hot dog, ice cream, soda, or coffee. Enjoy a $2 MGD and Miller Lite on our Tasty Thursday left-field terrace.

Friday, May 21st

Friday Night Fireworks - Bring some extra blankets and bundle up after the game to watch the fireworks show! Set to music, Friday Night Fireworks at Cheney Stadium are a Tacoma tradition.

Saturday, May 22nd

Little Caesars Family Meal Deal - 4 reserved tickets, 4 slices of Little Caesars pizza, 4 Rainiers baseball caps, 2 youth passes to Point Defiance Zoo or Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, a voucher for 2 Hot-n-Ready pizzas and 2 orders of Crazy Bread...a $175 value for just $44. The Rainiers have partnered with Little Caesars to hold a Family Meal Deal on one Saturday of each month.

Tuesday, May 25th

All-Star Student Night - 5th grade classrooms from all over Western Washington are participating in this completely free program. Each participating class receives five All-Star packs. Each pack includes: four Rainiers tickets, four food vouchers good for hot dog, chips, and a soda, a Certificate of Recognition, and a Rainiers gift. All-Stars will receive a pack and four Rainiers tickets to a designated All-Star Student Night. All students from participating classrooms receive a single ticket to the designated night.

For season tickets, group or Muckleshoot Casino Party Deck information call (253) 752-7707, email tickets@tacomarainiers.com or visit our website at www.tacomarainiers.com.

Check out the Tacoma Rainiers Statistics

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Pacific Coast League Stories from May 19, 2010


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