Grizzlies' 8-game winning streak at home ends with 3-1 setback to Rainiers

The Tacoma Rainiers (11-10) defeated the Fresno Grizzlies (15-7) 3-1 Friday night from Chukchansi Park. With the loss, the Grizzlies' 8-game home winning streak was snapped. Rainiers' starter Casey Lawrence (2-1, win) dazzled for five innings, allowing five hits, one run (earned) while striking out three. Fresno southpaw Kent Emanuel (2-1) suffered the decision after five innings of six hit ball, giving up two runs (earned), walking one and punching out four.
Tacoma jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first when Cameron Perkins (2-for-4) laced a double to the left-center gap. In the bottom of the second, AJ Reed got Fresno on the board with a bomb to right. His second longball of the season cut the deficit in half.
Perkins knocked in his third RBI of the game when he singled to center in the top of the ninth, making it 3-1. The advantage was enough for reliever Erik Goeddel who picked up his fourth save of the season.
Tony Kemp reached base three times, picking up two hits and a steal in the process.
The two teams continue the five-game series Saturday night from Chukchansi Park with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 PT. Fresno RHP Mike Hauschild (2-1, 4.29) and Tacoma LHP Aríel Miranda (0-0, 7.04) are the probable starters. The Grizzlies have not lost on Saturday and look for the series win.