COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The Tacoma Rainiers (53-53) collected a 4-3 win in their final road game against the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (63-40) on Friday night.Rainiers starting pitcher Sam Gaviglio turned in 5.2 innings of brilliant work, holding the Sky Sox to just one run on four hits while
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The Tacoma Rainiers (53-53) collected a 4-3 win in their final road game against the Colorado Springs Sky Sox (63-40) on Friday night.
Rainiers starting pitcher Sam Gaviglio turned in 5.2 innings of brilliant work, holding the Sky Sox to just one run on four hits while striking out six. He left the game in line for a win, but ultimately did not factor into the decision.
Right fielder Boog Powell gifted the Rainiers an early 1-0 lead with a solo home run in the top of the second inning. It was his fifth home run of the season.
Designated hitter D.J. Peterson extended Tacoma's advantage to 2-0 with a sacrifice fly to right field in the top of the fourth, giving the Rainiers the padding they'd need to maintain their lead when the Sky Sox plated a run in the bottom of the frame.
A bunt single from leftfielder Ian Miller and a subsequent Sky Sox error put a runner in scoring position in the top of the fifth for shortstop Taylor Motter, who roped an RBI double off the wall in left field, giving the Rainiers a 3-1 edge.
Andrew Susac's solo home run and an RBI single off the bat of Mauricio Dubón pulled the Sky Sox even with the Rainiers at 3-3 in the bottom of the seventh inning. The score would hold there through the ninth, sending the game into extra innings.
With two outs in the top of the 10th, Rainiers second baseman Gordon Beckham lifted a solo home run to right center, pushing the visitors out in front, 4-3.
Dan Altavilla tossed a perfect bottom of the 10th with two strikeouts to seal the Rainiers victory in the final ever game at Security Service Field.
The Rainiers will now head to Oklahoma City to kick off a four-game series against the Dodgers beginning on Saturday at 5:05 p.m. PT. Tacoma will start left-hander Marco Gonzales (1-0, 4.50), while Oklahoma City is slated to start righty Justin Masterson (9-4, 3.88).
All tickets, group outings and suites packages for the 2017 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.
