Casey Lawrence Tosses Complete-Game Shutout As Tacoma Tops Memphis, 5-0

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - A complete-game shutout effort from Casey Lawrence (4-2) led the Tacoma Rainiers (29-30) to a 5-0 series-opening victory over the Memphis Redbirds (35-24) on Tuesday night at AutoZone Park.
The dominant performance from Lawrence included six strikeouts and no walks as he allowed one single and two doubles but nothing more. Lawrence's complete-game shutout was his second in two years with the Rainiers, his last coming on July 3, 2017 against the Albuquerque Isotopes. Both complete games were finished in under 100 pitches.

First baseman Daniel Vogelbach collected four RBI on a grand slam and right fielder John Andreoli (2x4, R, 2B) collected multiple hits as the Rainiers offense collected more than enough offense to back Lawrence.
Vogelbach put the Rainiers on the board in a big way with a grand slam in the top of the third inning. It was Tacoma's third grand slam of the season, and Vogelbach's first since April 20, 2017 at El Paso.
Designated hitter Kirk Nieuwenhuis collected the Rainiers final run with an RBI single in the top of the 8th inning that extended the visitors lead to the final margin of 5-0.
Tacoma goes for the series win on Wednesday night at 5:05 p.m. PT with right-hander Christian Bergman (4-3, 3.90) on the mound. Memphis will hand the ball to right-hander Daniel Poncedeleon (4-2, 2.48).
All tickets, group outings, and suites packages for the 2018 season are available for purchase in person at the Cheney Stadium Box Office, online at 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.