Rainiers Blank River Cats In Opener, 5-0

TACOMA, Wash. - The Tacoma Rainiers (1-0) opened the 2018 season with a 5-0 shutout victory over the visiting Sacramento River Cats on Thursday night at Cheney Stadium.
It was the Rainiers first shutout in a home opener since the club blanked Sacramento 2-0 on April 3, 2008.
Tacoma starting pitcher Christian Bergman added to his long history of strong performances against Sacramento, working 5.2 scoreless innings and striking out eight while allowing just six hits. Through six career starts against the River Cats, Bergman now sports a 0.74 ERA.

After five and a half scoreless frames, the Rainiers finally broke through in the bottom of the sixth inning with a five-spot. Designated hitter Cameron Perkins swatted a bases-loaded RBI single to center to score Tacoma's first run of the season and was followed by another RBI single from shortstop Zach Vincej to extend the lead to 2-0.
With the bases still loaded, third baseman Danny Muno drew a walk to ease in another run. A passed ball and a sacrifice fly to left from left fielder Ian Miller capped the rally and put the Rainiers advantage at 5-0.
Mike Morin (1-0), making his Rainiers debut, tossed 1.1 innings of scoreless work with three strikeouts to earn the win. Ryan Cook (1.0 IP) and Chasen Bradford (1.0 IP) sealed the shutout, allowing just one hit over the final two frames.
The Rainiers and River Cats continue their season-opening series tomorrow, Friday, April 6 with a first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. PT. Right-hander Josh smith (0-0, -.--) will start for Tacoma opposite Sacramento right-hander Casey Kelly (0-0, -.--).
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.