Tacoma Takes Opening Night Pitcher's Duel

Tacoma – 1

Oklahoma City – 0

(11 innings)

Friday, March 29, 2024 – Cheney Stadium – Tacoma, Wash.

Summary: Offense was hard to find for both teams Friday night, as the Tacoma Rainiers outlasted the Oklahoma City Baseball Club, 1-0, in 11 in innings at Cheney Stadium in the 2024 season opener. The teams combined for seven total hits and neither team had a runner advance as far as third base until extra innings. Oklahoma City (0-1) had the potential go-ahead run thrown out at home plate in the 10th inning, and Tacoma grounded into a double play with runners at the corners to end the bottom of the 10th inning. OKC could not capitalize on another scoring chance in the 11th inning with the bases loaded and one out. The Rainiers (1-0) plated the winning run on a fielder’s choice in the 11th inning despite an impressive diving stop on a sharp ground ball by shortstop Trey Sweeney, whose throw to home plate from his knees was accurate but not in time to nab the runner.

Of Note:

-Oklahoma City fell to 11-15 in season openers during the Bricktown era (since 1998), including a 7-6 mark when opening the season on the road.

-OKC lost to Tacoma on Opening Night for the second straight year. In a completely different game last season, Tacoma won, 14-8, at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

-First time since 2014 OKC went to extra innings on Opening Night. The team was also shut out in the first game of the season for the second time in four seasons and third time in seven seasons.

-Starting pitcher Landon Knack fired five scoreless innings. He allowed three hits, with no walks and six strikeouts. He retired the final six batters he faced, including four via strikeout.

-Overall, the OKC pitching staff limited Tacoma to three hits, including none after the third inning. Six pitchers combined for 11 strikeouts and allowed just one runner in scoring position through nine innings.

-Drew Avans led the OKC offense with two hits. He also recorded the game’s only extra-base hit with a double in the fifth inning.

Next Up: OKC will look to get the offense going when they face the Rainiers Saturday at 8:05 p.m. Central time.