Rainiers Play Long Ball In Win Over Tucson

Published on July 20, 2008 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Tucson Sidewinders News Release


Tacoma, WA - Rob Johnson, Victor Diaz, Wladimir Balentien and Prentice Redman all hit home runs as the Tacoma Rainiers beat the Sidewinders 10-6 on Sunday afternoon at Cheney Stadium. The Rainiers have won the last two games of the series by scoring 23 runs on 23 hits.

Johnson's home run to left snapped a 4-4 tie in the bottom of the sixth and Victor Diaz added a three run shot later in the inning to put Tacoma in front 8-4. Both blasts came against Emiliano Fruto who suffered his 5th loss of the season.

Max Scherzer, making his first appearance since June 15th, was greeted by Redman's solo home run in the seventh. Scherzer then allowed a single by Shawn Garrett and walked Rob Johnson and Luis Valbuena before Tug Hulett delivered a sacrifice fly. Scherzer was lifted in favor of Jailen Peguero who ended the inning with no further damage.

Scherzer threw 23 pitches in his third of an inning but only nine strikes. He is scheduled to make at least two more relief appearances before returning to the starting rotation.

The Sidewinders scored in the top of the first inning as Tim Raines, Jr. delivered a sacrifice fly to score Jeff Salazar and scored again in the second on the first of two Josh Whitesell solo home runs. The Rainiers countered with two in the bottom of the first and one in the second against Esmerling Vasquez who lasted just 4.2 innings. He allowed four runs, including a home run to Balentien, on four hits. Vasquez walked six and struck out two.

Whitesell's two home runs brought his season total to 18 and snapped a 29 game homerless drought dating back to June 16th. It was his third multi home run game of the season.

The Sidewinders and Rainiers wrap up their four game series on Monday morning at Cheney Stadium. Right-hander Matt Torra (1-2, 5.51) starts for Tucson against right-hander Joe Woerman (2-7, 7.44) for Tacoma. First pitch is at 11:30. The game will air LIVE on the internet at www.tucsonsidewinders.com.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from July 20, 2008


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