The Tacoma Rainiers showed some mettle yesterday, blasting Reno 11-4 one day after blowing a four-run lead in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Sam Travis led the way with a pair of early home runs, but he had to leave the game after being hit by a pitch in his left wrist/hand area. Catcher Luis Torrens also left the game after being hit by a pitch – hopefully more information about their statuses will be available later today. The injury to Torrens is especially problematic, since it leaves just one catcher (Cal Raleigh) on the Tacoma roster.
After the game yesterday, Rainiers manager Kristopher Negron jumped in a car and drove to his hometown of Napa, CA to meet his wife. The couple is having twins and are expecting shortly. Negron’s leave is open-ended; the Mariners have told him to take as much time as he needs.
In the meantime, Mariners minor league Field Coordinator and catching instructor Tony Arnerich will fill in as manager. Arnerich arrived in Reno yesterday and went through the whole day with Negron, in order to prepare.
Arnerich has a chance to accomplish something rare in his first game: a win today gives Tacoma a split of the series in Reno, something that Tacoma has not been able to do since 2014.
RAINIERS DAILY
YESTERDAY: The Rainiers banged out 14 hits and took down Reno, 11-4, despite losing two players to injury during the game. Sam Travis homered twice and drove in four runs, and Luis Torrens had two hits while reaching base four times, but both left the game after being hit by pitches. Cal Raleigh and Taylor Trammell each added multiple hits. Tacoma starting pitcher Logan Verrett went seven innings, giving up just one run, resting the bullpen for today’s series final.
TODAY: Tacoma (12-11) at Reno (16-7), 6:35 PT.
OPPONENT AFFILIATION: Arizona Diamondbacks.
OPPOSING MANAGER: Blake Lalli.
SEASON SERIES: Reno leads, 3-2.
PITCHERS: LHP David Huff (0-0, 6.00) at RHP Josh Green (3-0, 2.45)
This will be the second start for the veteran Huff, who is being stretched out as Tacoma’s Tuesday starter. Reno is running a true five-man rotation – Green started the opening game of the series last Thursday and allowed two runs in six innings to get the win.
ROSTER MOVES: Yesterday the Mariners activated Jake Fraley from the injured list, and optioned Eric Campbell to Tacoma. Campbell could join the club today, although it’s more likely that he meets the team at home for the next game on Thursday.
HOT HITTERS: Cal Raleigh has a 13-game hitting streak, going 24-for-55 during the streak… Raleigh has reached base safely in 17 straight games… Dillon Thomas has three homers during a four-game hitting streak… the Rainiers have clubbed 26 home runs over the past ten games, with 13 different players going deep.
OPPONENT NEWS: Reno has won each of its first three series to open the season with a 16-7 record… Drew Ellis went 5-for-5 on Thursday and is 13-for-26 over his last seven games… Seth Beer is the official favorite Reno player of this blog, for obvious reasons… the Aces have one former Rainiers player: pitcher Zach Lee, most remembered today from the ill-fated Chris Taylor trade.
BROADCAST: All games will be broadcast free on a live audio stream which is available right here.
Unfortunately, there is no traditional terrestrial radio station carrying the games at this time.
TRIPLE-A WEST SCOREBOARD: Follow all league games in real-time with links to Gameday screens right here.
STORIES YOU MIGHT LIKE:
- Tom Murphy drove in the winning run and made a crazy face as the Mariners won their fifth game in a row on Monday, 6-5 over Oakland.
- Donovan Walton hit his first major league home run, a three-run blast in the win. Jake Fraley contributed as well.
- Tacoma’s Cal Raleigh ranks high on this week’s Baseball America Prospect Hot Sheet. The write-up is interesting too, focusing on his defense.
- The Sugar Land Skeeters are scorching hot and have surpassed Reno for best record in the Triple-A West.
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About the Tacoma Rainiers
The Tacoma Rainiers are the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. The Rainiers are a member of the Triple-A West. Tacoma has been a Mariners affiliate since establishing the Rainiers moniker in 1995.
Find more information and purchase single game tickets here. Questions regarding season tickets can be directed to Tickets@WeRTacoma.com.
The most up-to-date news and notes about the Tacoma Rainiers and Cheney Stadium can be found at WeRTacoma.com, or by following the Rainiers on Twitter (@RainiersLand), Instagram (@tacomarainiers) and liking the team on Facebook.
We R Tacoma Team Store
The We R Tacoma Team Store is currently open Monday-Friday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. (non-game days) or until the end of the game on home game days. Team Store purchases can also be made online 24/7. Grab your Rainiers gear, your Defiance ‘fit, and follow the team store on Instagram and Twitter.
March 24, 2023