Rainiers Come Up Short Against Sacramento
July 24, 2010 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Tacoma Rainiers News Release
Tacoma, WA - The Tacoma Rainiers offense failed to find a rhythm a fell short in a 2-1 series-opening loss to Sacramento at Cheney Stadium on Friday.
Outfielder Mike Carp's single to left-center field in the bottom of the ninth inning scored first baseman Matt Mangini from third to cut a 2-0 River Cats lead down to just a run. The come-from-behind effort would stop there as Matt Tuiasosopo struck out swinging to end the outing.
The River Cats dug an early hole for the Rainiers after outfielder Adam Heether scored off a triple from second baseman Eric Sogard in the top of the third. Sacramento struck again in the sixth when Michael Taylor's groundout to second base drove in Corey Wimberley from second.
On a night where the Rainiers could only muster four hits and advanced a runner past first base just two times, Carp's RBI-single in the ninth proved to be the team's banner performance. Sogard led the River Cats after going 1-for-3 and delivering the RBI-triple in the third.
Tacoma starter Michael Pineda was dealt a tough-luck loss, his first as a Rainier, despite allowing just one run on one hit over five innings. The right-hander tied a team-high with 11 strikeouts in the effort.
Sacramento starter Clayton Mortensen finished the game tied for the league lead after collecting his 11th win of the season. The right-hander tossed eight scoreless innings, allowing just two hits with one walk and three strikeouts. Reliever Michael Benacka picked up the save after recording the final out in the ninth.
The Rainiers take the field for the second outing of their four-game series with Sacramento at 7:00 pm on Saturday. Right-hander Andy Baldwin is slated to take the mound for Tacoma, with fellow right-hander Kyle Middleton getting the start for the River Cats.
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.
• Discuss this story on the Pacific Coast League message board...
Pacific Coast League Stories from July 24, 2010
- Z's split double dip - New Orleans Baby Cakes
- Birds sweep twin bill from Hawks - Memphis Redbirds
- Gil Meche to Start for Omaha Monday - Omaha Storm Chasers
- RedHawks Game Notes - Oklahoma City Baseball Club
- Beavers Blast Three Home Runs In 13-7 Win - Portland Beavers
- Allen Continues Power Surge In 9-5 Aces' Win Over Fresno - Reno Aces
- Rainiers Come Up Short Against Sacramento - Tacoma Rainiers
- Gamel Belts Two Homers In Sounds' 11-8 Series-Opening Win - Nashville Sounds
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.
