Heredia, Rainiers Walk Off Over Dodgers, 5-4

TACOMA, Wash. - Guillermo Heredia launched a two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to propel the Tacoma Rainiers (55-40) to a 5-4 victory over the Oklahoma City Dodgers (53-42) on Tuesday night at Cheney Stadium.

The Rainiers eighth-straight win marks the longest winning streak since the club won 10-consecutive games during the 2013 season.

Heredia (3x5), catcher Rob Brantly (2x3), and left fielder Norichika Aoki (2x5) led Tacoma's offense, combining for four RBI and five runs scored.

The Rainiers ventured on to the scoreboard when Heredia lined a single into centerfield and came around to score on a Mike Zunino double down the left field line, giving Tacoma the early 1-0 advantage.

The Dodgers answered with a run in the top of the third inning to even the score at 1-1. Brandon Hicks sent a single to left field, stole second base, and scored on a dropped catch error by first baseman D.J. Peterson after Micah Johnson reached base on a bunt single.

Rob Segedin smacked a double down the left field line and came around to score on a single to right field from Will Venable, giving Oklahoma City the 2-1 lead.

Tacoma gained the lead with two runs in the home half of the seventh inning. Brantly smashed a solo home run to right field to lead off the frame. Aoki smacked a single into center field and came around to score all the way from first base on a single to center field from Heredia, giving the Rainiers the 3-2 advantage.

Rob Segedin belted a two-out, two-run home run over the left field fence in the top of the eighth inning, giving Oklahoma City the 4-3 advantage.

With one-out and Aoki on first base, Heredia stepped into the batter's box to face Dodgers pitcher Jacob Rhame. On a one-and-one count, Heredia smashed a two-run home run over the left field fence to propel the Rainiers to the 5-4 victory.

Tacoma starting pitcher Jordan Pries turned in 6.0 innings for the Rainiers, allowing two runs on six hits - He issued one walk and struck out four.

Emilio Pagan and Kraig Sitton combined to work the final 3.0 innings for Tacoma, allowing two runs on three hits. The duo walked one and struck out three.

Tacoma and Oklahoma City continue up their series tomorrow, Wednesday, July 20 with a first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. PT. The Rainiers will turn to right-hander Cody Martin (8-5, 3.63) for the start, while the Dodgers hand the ball to right-hander Jose De Leon (2-0, 3.06).

All tickets, group outings and suites packages for the 2016 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.