Rainiers Fall Short at Fresno, 8-3

April 6, 2013 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Tacoma Rainiers News Release

FRESNO, Calif. - The Tacoma Rainiers let an early lead fall by the wayside in an 8-3 loss to the Fresno Grizzlies at Chukchansi Park on Friday night.

Alex Liddi gave the Rainiers a quick 2-0 advantage after hitting a two-run home run with one out in the top of the first inning. The third baseman ended the night with two runs, and has now homered and driven in four runs over Tacoma's first two games this season.

Denny Almonte's sacrifice fly helped the Rainiers hold on to a 3-2 edge until the Grizzlies grabbed the lead for good on a pair of runs in the bottom of the fifth. Kensuke Tanake tied the game with a sacrifice fly and outfielder Francisco Peguero singled in the go-ahead run for Fresno one batter later.

The Rainiers collected a combined eight hits in the contest. Outfielder Eric Thames turned in Tacoma's other multi-hit outing after going 2-for-3 with a triple and a run scored. Thames has now notched four hits over his first seven at-bats with the Rainiers.

Starter Andrew Carraway was dealt the loss in the first start of his 2013 campaign. The right-hander surrendered four runs - three earned - on eight hits over 6.0 innings. He struck out three batters and issued one walk.

After reliever Jhonny Nunez allowed four runs - three-earned - on three hits in the seventh, Bobby LaFromboise and Steven Hensley combined to collect the final six outs for Tacoma in the outing.

The third game of the Rainiers four-game series at Fresno is set for tomorrow, April 6 at 7:05 p.m. Right-hander Jeremy Bonderman (0-0, -.--) is set to make his Rainiers debut against right-hander Andrew Kown (0-0, -.--) for the Grizzlies.

Every Rainiers game throughout the 2013 season can be heard live on South Sound Sports 850-AM and is available for online streaming at www.tacomarainiers.com.

To purchase season tickets, group packages or party decks for the 2013 season, call (253) 752-7707 or email tickets@tacomarainiers.com. Up-to-date news and notes throughout the season can be found at www.tacomarainiers.com and by following the Rainiers on Twitter (@RainiersLand) or liking the team on Facebook.

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