Rainiers Pummel Sky Sox, 10-5

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The Tacoma Rainiers pounded out 17 hits on the way to a 10-5 victory over the Colorado Springs Sky Sox on Thursday night at Security Service Field.

In his first start since a nine-inning shutout at Oklahoma City, Rainiers starting pitcher Chien-Ming Wang worked 7.0 innings and allowed three runs (two earned) on seven hits - he recorded five strikeouts in the winning effort.

Every member of the Rainiers starting nine recorded a hit in the contest, and combined for eight extra base knocks. Both Patrick Kivlehan (3x5) and Patrick Brady (3x5) recorded a trio of hits and combined to score three runs and drive in three more.

Jabari Blash checked in with a solo home run in the third inning - the outfielder now has 26 total home runs this season between Tacoma and Double-A Jackson, and a PCL-leading 14 since the all-star break.

Already leading 3-0, the Rainiers posted a trio of runs in the top of the sixth inning to pull away from Colorado Springs. Blash and Kivlehan led off the frame with a walk and a double, respectively, and Shawn O'Malley capped off the scoring with a single through the second base hole to score Steve Baron from third.

The Sky Sox entered the bottom of the seventh inning trailing 7-0 but quickly loaded the bases with no outs on three consecutive singles. A ground out and a throwing error by Kivlehan netted the home squad a pair of runs, and another ground out scored a third run to cut the Rainiers lead to 7-3.

Tacoma scored three more runs over the final two innings to put the game out of reach and create the final margin of 10-5.

Jose Ramirez relieved Wang in the eighth inning and allowed two runs on three hits in his 2.0 innings of work - he issued one walk and fanned three Sky Sox batters.

Infielder Ji-Man Choi made his 2015 debut after spending the majority of the season on the disabled list after breaking his leg during a Major League Spring Training game in March - he went 0-for-1.

The Rainiers look to take the series lead from the Sky Sox during game three tomorrow, August 21. Left-hander Tyler Olson (2-4, 5.45) makes the start for Tacoma, while Colorado Springs is expected to hand the ball to righty Ariel Pena (1-2, 4.68). First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m.

All tickets, group outings and suites packages for the 2015 season are available for purchase in-person at the Cheney Stadium Box Office, online at www.tacomarainiers.com, or over the phone at (253) 752-7707. The most up-to-date news and notes about the Rainiers throughout the season can be found by following the Rainiers on Twitter (@RainiersLand) or liking the team on Facebook.