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MLB

Rainiers Fall To El Paso, 9-5

Nick Franklin homers, collects two hits in opener with Chihuahuas
By
April 8, 2014

TACOMA, Wash. -- Nick Franklin recorded two hits, including a two-run home run, as the Tacoma Rainiers dropped their series opener with the El Paso Chihuahuas 9-5 at Cheney Stadium on Monday.

After lining a single in the fourth inning, Franklin delivered a two-run blast that cut El Paso's lead to 9-3 with one out in the bottom of the sixth. Franklin has hit safely in his first four games played this season, and is batting .533 (8x15) with two home runs and five RBI over that stretch.

A total of six home runs were hit between the two teams on Monday. The first two of those came courtesy of the Chihuahuas in the top of the second, beginning with a leadoff solo shot from Kyle Banks that put El Paso up 1-0. Brooks Conrad slapped on four more with a two-out grand slam that helped up the Rainiers deficit to 6-0.

One-run home runs hit by Jeff Francoeur and former Rainiers player Adam Moore pushed El Paso's lead to 9-0 before Tacoma made the team's first appearance onto the scoreboard in the sixth. Catcher Jesus Sucre hit a solo home run - his first since April 25, 2012 - that was followed by Franklin's two-run homer one out later.

As a team, the Rainiers lineup was limited to six hits. Outfielder Cole Gillespie was responsible for one of them - a single in the eighth inning - and has now recorded hits in each of his four games with the Rainiers this season.

Chance Ruffin (0-1) was dealt the loss in the first start of his 2014 campaign. The right-hander surrendered eight runs on six hits over 5.0 innings, and struck out three with three walks issued.

The Rainiers (1-3) host the second game of the club's four-game series with El Paso (3-2) tomorrow, April 8. Left-hander James Gillheeney is slated to make his 2014 debut for Tacoma against Chihuahuas left-hander Juan Oramas. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m.

To purchase season tickets, group packages or party decks for the 2014 season, call (253) 752-7707 or email [email protected]. Up-to-date news and notes leading up to the start of the 2014 season can be found at www.tacomarainiers.com and by following the Rainiers on Twitter (@RainiersLand) or liking the team on Facebook.