Rainiers Fall To Fresno In Series Opener, 3-2
April 17, 2013 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Tacoma Rainiers News Release
TACOMA, Wash. - The Tacoma Rainiers came up short in a 3-2 series-opening loss to the Fresno Grizzlies at Cheney Stadium on Tuesday night.
Jeremy Bonderman turned in his strongest start of the season for the Rainiers, limiting the Grizzlies to one run on five hits over five innings. The Pasco, WA native struck out five and walked two in his first career appearance in Tacoma.
Eric Thames delivered the signature hit for a Rainiers lineup that combined to collect just four on Tuesday. The outfielder belted a solo home run to left field - his first of the season - that tied the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the fifth inning.
Fresno's Johnny Monell hit a go-ahead solo home run with two outs in the sixth, and Edmonds, WA native Todd Linden stretched the Grizzlies lead to two runs with a run-scoring triple in the eighth
Infielder Nick Franklin brought Tacoma within a run with a single in the bottom of the inning that drove in outfielder Nate Tenbrink from second base. Carlos Peguero drew a lead-off walk and ultimately reached third via a stolen base and error, but Grizzlies closer Heath Hembree surrendered the next three Rainiers to fend the game.
Reliever Jhonny Nunez (1-1) was dealt the loss after surrendering two runs on two hits over 2.2 innings. Left-hander Brian Moran allowed just one hit and struck out two over 1.1 innings. The left-hander has not given up a run over his first five appearances (7.2 IP) this season.
The Rainiers (6-7) host the second game of the club's four-game series with Fresno at 7 p.m. tomorrow, April 17. Left-hander James Paxton (0-0, 7.27) is scheduled to start for Tacoma in the contest against left-hander Michael Kickham (0-0, 4.00) 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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