Rainiers Pummel Redbirds, 13-7

TACOMA, Wash. - Infielder Ji-Man Choi notched a career-high seven RBI and propelled the Tacoma Rainiers to a 13-7 victory over the Memphis Redbirds on Wednesday night at Cheney Stadium. The victory earned Tacoma a 2-2 split of the series with Memphis.

Choi finished the night 4-for-5 with two runs scored, one double, and one grand slam home run - it was his first four-hit performance since May 16, 2013 while with Advanced-A High Desert. His seven RBI surpassed his previous career-high of five, set on May 21, 2013 at Bakersfield.

Tacoma raced out to a 7-0 lead after just two innings. The first three Rainiers batters to the plate in the first inning reached base, setting up Choi's grand slam. An RBI single by Choi in the second capped a three-run effort.

Memphis answered in the top of the third inning by sending 12 batters to the plate and scoring seven runs on just two hits. The Rainiers issued five walks and committed three errors in the frame to aid the Redbirds offensive effort. Right fielder Jeremey Hazelbaker's three run home run was the highlight of the inning.

In response to the offensive outburst by Memphis, the Rainiers proceed to score two runs in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings to pull away with the win. Choi drove in two more runs with a single in the fourth inning, and Leury Bonilla blasted his fourth home run of the season, a two-run bomb, in the sixth to give Tacoma a 13-7 advantage.

The Rainiers offense combined for 16 hits, six of which went for extra bases, and drew five walks. Shawn O'Malley (3x4), Chris Taylor (2x3), and Patrick Kivlehan (2x4) recorded Tacoma's other multi-hit performances, while combining to score six runs. Choi's seven RBI matched the club's season high set by Justin Ruggiano on June 27 against El Paso when he smacked three home runs.

Starting pitcher Tyler Olson worked 2.2 innings and allowed seven runs, just two of which were earned, on two hits - he walked four and struck out six without factoring into the decision.

Lucas Luetge, Jose Ramirez, and Danny Farquhar combined to cover 6.1 innings for Tacoma out of the bullpen and held Memphis scoreless on just three hits. Luetge earned his second win of the season for his 2.1 innings of work.

The Rainiers (62-70) continue inter-conference play and open up a four-game set against the Nashville Sounds (60-72) tomorrow, August 27 at 7:05 p.m. Tacoma is slated to hand the ball to right-hander Forrest Snow (9-8, 3.97), while the Sounds are scheduled to start righty Nathan Long (3-4, 5.17).

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.