The Tacoma Rainiers longest homestand of the season concludes tonight with a 7:05 game against Sacramento, and this one’s for all the marbles.
OK, fine, it’s not for “all the marbles,” whatever that means, but tonight’s game will determine if the Rainiers have a winning homestand or not.
Tacoma has gone 7-6 over the first 13 games of the homestand. The team went 4-3 in the seven-game series against Salt Lake, and after last night’s win the team is 3-3 so far against Sacramento. Two decisive Game Sevens in one homestand!
After tonight’s game the Rainiers are off on Wednesday, when the team will take an evening flight to Las Vegas to open a 12-game, 13-day road trip to the deserts of Nevada. Six games in Las Vegas, followed by six games in Reno. This road trip is going to be survival of the fittest: it’s going to require self control, extensive hydration, stable mental health, and strong bankroll management. I have years of experience and can handle this type of thing, but I do worry about these young kids.
After tonight, the Rainiers next home game isn’t until August 12.
RAINIERS DAILY
YESTERDAY: The Rainiers bounced back from the frustrating loss on Sunday night with a 7-4 victory on Monday, in which the team scored twice in the first inning and never trailed. Logan Verrett pitched seven innings, allowing three runs, striking out a season-best eight while earning his sixth win. Dillon Thomas went 3-for-5 with three runs scored, and Jose Marmolejos doubled and drove in three.
TODAY: Sacramento (30-41) at Tacoma (38-33), 7:05.
OPPONENT AFFILIATION: San Francisco Giants.
OPPOSING MANAGER: Dave Brundage.
SEASON SERIES: Tacoma leads, 7-4.
PITCHERS: RHP Gerson Garabito (0-3, 6.11) at RHP Vinny Nittoli (2-2, 4.40)
It’s a bullpen game for the Rainiers, and with the off day tomorrow I have been warned that Tacoma might be taking the old “Johnny Wholestaff” joke seriously tonight.
ROSTER MOVES: Reliever Matt Festa is back with the Rainiers after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in 2020. He had a couple of rehab games in the lower minors to get ready.
HOT HITTERS: Jantzen Witte has gone 31-for-86 (.360) over his last 25 games… Alen Hansen has a five-game hitting streak… Jake Hager has had 12 of his last 17 hits go for extra bases (seven doubles and five homers)… Dillon Thomas has gone 1-for-22 over his last six games.
OPPONENT NEWS: Former Rainiers outfielder Braden Bishop had a 16-game hitting streak and a streak of 25 straight games reaching base end Friday night… Arismendy Alcantara homered in five of six games during a series at Salt Lake, July 8-13… Sacramento manager Dave Brundage was the manager of the Rainiers in 2006… catcher Joey Bart is considered one of the top prospects in the league… SF Giants 2017 first round pick Heliot Ramos made his Triple-A debut on Thursday.
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:
- The Mariners had an incredible comeback win over the Astros last night. Their playoff push is starting to feel very real.
- Jarred Kelenic continues to struggle in the majors, but he did have a big walk in last night’s comeback. This notebook also includes injury updates.
- The Tokyo Olympics baseball tournament starts tomorrow, and the Rainiers have two players in it. ESPN has a nice Olympic Baseball Primer.
- There are no Mariners listed in this week’s edition of the Baseball America Prospect Hot Sheet, but here it is anyway.
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.
March 16, 2023