Rainiers Blast Past Las Vegas, 12-1
Published on July 31, 2011 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Tacoma Rainiers News Release
Tacoma, WA - The Tacoma Rainiers recorded 18 hits and rolled the Las Vegas 51s 12-1 in front of 6,127 fans at Cheney Stadium on Saturday night.
Outfielder Michael Saunders collected five of those hits and hit two home runs en route to driving in four runs. The hit total is the most since infielder Tug Hulett turned in a five-hit performance against the Portland Beavers last season.
Saunders delivered a one-out solo shot to help get the Rainiers off to an early 2-0 lead. Designated Wily Mo Pena accounted for the other run, belting a one-run homer in his first plate appearance as a Rainier since signing with the Mariners earlier this week.
Tacoma blew the game open following a six-run inning in the third. Saunders started off the bottom of the frame with a two-run home run and catcher Jose Yepez closed things out with a bases-clearing three-run double with two outs.
First baseman David Cooper turned in the only multi-hit outing for the 51s after a recording a pair of hits, including a two-out single that drove in Las Vegas' only run in the top of the third.
Tacoma starter Chris Seddon (7-5) collected the win for the Rainiers, holding the 51s to one run on seven hits with seven strikeouts over five innings. Reliever Jarrett Grube tossed three scoreless innings with three strikeouts to pick up his first professional save.
The loss went to Las Vegas starter Scott Richmond (6-9) after the right-hander surrendered nine runs on 11 hits over four innings, while striking out one and walking one.
The Rainiers (53-55) look to collect back-to-back wins when they return to action at 1:35 p.m. on Sunday. Left-hander Luke French (7-7, 5.57) is slated to start for Tacoma against right-hander Robert Ray (0-2, 10.29) for Las Vegas. The game will be broadcast live on South Sound Sports 850-AM and can be streamed online at www.tacomarainiers.com.
For season tickets, group or party deck information for the 2011 season, call (253) 752-7707, email tickets@tacomarainiers.com or visit our website at www.tacomarainiers.com.
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