Rainiers defeat Fresno
July 13, 2014 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1) News Release
Tacoma, Wa.--For the first time since mid-May, the Fresno Grizzlies (46-51) find themselves in last place in the Pacific Coast League's Pacific Northern Division as the Tacoma Rainiers (46-49) defeated the vistors 7-2 on Saturday night at Cheney Stadium.
Fresno faced the highly-touted Tacoma right-hander Taijuan Walker (3-1) who found himself in first inning trouble. The Grizzlies jumped on the board first courtesy of a one-out RBI single by third baseman Adam Duvall. It could have been a bigger inning but the Grizzlies could not score more after having runners at the corners with one out.
Tacoma took advantage in the bottom of the inning against Fresno right-handed starter Chris Heston (7-5). Rainiers left fielder Xavier Avery singled to left. After shortstop Chris Taylor walked, it was Rainiers designated hitter Jesus Montero who on a full-count ripped a three-run opposite field homer to right-center which gave the Rainiers all the runs they needed. It was Montero's 11th clout this year.
In the bottom of the fifth, the Rainiers broke the game open scoring four times. With one out, Heston walked three straight all on full counts including second baseman Ty Kelly which forced in a run. After that, right-handed reliever Jake Dunning came in, and issued a single to right Tacoma catcher John Hicks which scored one run, and then when Grizzlies right fielder Chris Dominguez booted the ball, that allowed another runner to score.
At one point, Grizzlies hitters were retired 11 straight times. Fresno designated hitter Mark Minicozzi (5) hit a solo homer to left in the eighth inning.
Walker who beat the Grizzlies last year in his AAA debut is now 2-0 lifetime against Fresno. He worked five innings, allowed four hits, one run (earned), he walked one, and struck out one.
Heston's five walks given up are the most by him this year. He went 4 1/3 innings, allowed five hits, seven runs (six earned), and he struck out six. He gave up one homer.
The final game of this scheduled three-game series will be at 1:35 p.m. on Sunday. Fresno right-hander Mitch Lively (6-4) will start against Tacoma right-hander--former Grizzly & Giant--Matt Palmer (1-7). After Sunday's game, Fresno, and the rest of the PCL will start its All-Star break.
Pacific Coast League Stories from July 13, 2014
- Chihuahuas Rally by Salt Lake 5-4 Sunday - El Paso Chihuahuas
- Sounds Fall 6-4 in Series Finale - Nashville Sounds
- Aces Silence Sacramento Bats in Series Finale - Reno Aces
- Fresno Upends Rainiers, 5-4 - Tacoma Rainiers
- Cats Outmatched by Aces, 2-1 - Sacramento River Cats
- Fields, Omaha Take Down Sky Sox, 7-1 - Colorado Springs Sky Sox
- Chasers Back on Top in Division - Omaha Storm Chasers
- Chihuahuas Break El Paso's Minor League Attendance Record - El Paso Chihuahuas
- Tucker Powers RedHawks to Series Split with Cubs - Iowa Cubs
- Tucker Blasts RedHawks Past Iowa - Oklahoma City Comets
- Memphis Falters in 6-2 Loss to New Orleans - Memphis Redbirds
- Zephyrs Go into All-Star Break on Winning Note - New Orleans Baby Cakes
- Green Pinch Hit Wins It for Salt Lake - Salt Lake Bees
- Omaha Storm Chasers July 13th Game Notes - Omaha Storm Chasers
- RedHawks Game Notes: July 13, 2014 - Oklahoma City Comets
- Rainiers defeat Fresno - PCL1
- Isotopes Win 6-5, Take Series from Division-Leading Las Vegas - Albuquerque Isotopes
- Rainiers Drop Grizzlies, 7-2 - Tacoma Rainiers
- Chasers and Sky Sox Suspended - Omaha Storm Chasers
- Chihuahuas lose 6-5 - El Paso Chihuahuas
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.
