Friday night was another tough loss for the Rainiers in Reno – I wonder how many hits the phrase “tough loss in Reno” would generate in a search of the old blog archives – as Tacoma fell in ten innings, 8-7.
The Rainiers had some defensive troubles that directly led to Reno runs early in the game, then got unlucky as the Aces got several soft hits in a row prior to a crucial error during a sixth inning rally.
On top of that, Tacoma loaded the bases with one out for the 4th and 5th hitters in the lineup in the eighth inning and could not score.
In the top of the tenth, with the automatic runner placed at second base, the Rainiers gave up a precious out and sacrificed the runner to third. Regardless of yesterday’s outcome, I firmly believe that the visiting team must not give up outs and should go for a multiple-run rally in the top of the tenth inning in these PCL band boxes and I will die on that hill.
In this instance, the Rainiers stranded the runner at third base and Reno won it in the bottom of the tenth on a Drew Ellis single to right field.
The Rainiers had some players with big games at the plate – see below – but let’s take a moment to recognize the effort of starting pitcher Darren McCaughan, who was much better than the box score indicates. McCaughan lasted six innings when the team needed it, and he did not allow any hard-hit balls after the second inning. At one point he retired 11 straight batters. With some cleaner defense behind him, McCaughan could have easily allowed just two runs last night.
Early game today 4:05 PM!
RAINIERS DAILY
YESTERDAY: Reno beat Tacoma in ten innings, 8-7, as Drew Ellis singled home the winning run. Jake Fraley went 3-for-6 with a double and a homer, Luis Torrens hit a pair of doubles, and Cal Raleigh continued his hot streak with three hits including a three-run homer that he pulled down the right field line in the sixth inning. Reno has won the first two games of the six-game series.
TODAY: Tacoma (10-10) at Reno (15-5), 4:05 PT.
OPPONENT AFFILIATION: Arizona Diamondbacks.
OPPOSING MANAGER: Blake Lalli.
SEASON SERIES: Reno leads, 2-0.
PITCHERS: RHP Vinny Nittoli (1-0, 2.38) at RHP Justin Donatella (0-2, 9.00)
Another bullpen day for the Rainiers, in what used to be Hector Santiago’s spot. Hector was called up by Seattle two days ago.
ROSTER MOVES: Yesterday the Rainiers added Shed Long on a rehabilitation assignment (he played the entire game at second base and went 1-for-6), and outfielder Kennie Taylor joined the club from extended spring training.
HOT HITTERS: Cal Raleigh has a ten-game hitting streak… Raleigh has reached base safely in 14 straight games… Taylor Trammell has hit safely in 12 of 14 games for Tacoma… the Rainiers have clubbed 17 home runs over the past seven games, with 12 different players going deep.
OPPONENT NEWS: Reno has won each of its first three series to open the season with a 15-5 record… Nick Heath has a seven-game hitting streak; he’s a speedster who is looking to steal… former PCL MVP Christian Walker has been with the Aces on a rehabilitation assignment… Drew Ellis went 5-for-5 on Thursday and is 11-for-17 over his last four 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:
- Kyle Lewis is on an extended hot stretch, and the Mariners bullpen delivered in a 3-2 win over Texas yesterday. The M’s have won four of the last five games.
- Catcher Tom Murphy is starting to improve at the plate. In this notebook: Marco Gonzales will rejoin the M’s rotation on Tuesday.
- Larry Stone has a story on MLB’s new efforts to raise awareness for Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Listen to every home and away Tacoma Rainiers game for free HERE. You can also download the MiLB First Pitch app for a free and easy one-click listening experience at home, work or in your car. Watch an HD video broadcast of every game with an MiLB.TV subscription. Use code: RAINIERS to save $10 on an annual subscription.
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 16, 2023