Rainiers Drop Series Finale To Grizzlies, 5-4

A late three-run blast sinks the Rainiers during the final game of the home stand

Tacoma Rainiers infielder D.J. Peterson hits a solo home run in a 5-4 loss to the Fresno Grizzlies on Sunday, July 16, 2017 at Cheney Stadium. (Jeff Halstead)

By Max Madden

July 16, 2017

TACOMA, Wash. - The Tacoma Rainiers (46-47) fell to the Fresno Grizzlies (53-41) by a final score of 5-4 Sunday afternoon at Cheney Stadium.Peterson (1x4, R, HR, RBI), third baseman Danny Muno (2x3, R, BB) and shortstop Tyler Smith (2x3, R, BB) led the way for the Rainiers on offense

TACOMA, Wash. - The Tacoma Rainiers (46-47) fell to the Fresno Grizzlies (53-41) by a final score of 5-4 Sunday afternoon at Cheney Stadium.
Peterson (1x4, R, HR, RBI), third baseman Danny Muno (2x3, R, BB) and shortstop Tyler Smith (2x3, R, BB) led the way for the Rainiers on offense during Sunday's defeat.

Rainiers starter Chase De Jong (3-4) was solid during his eleventh start of the season, allowing just two runs and striking out four through five innings.
The Rainiers jumped out to an early lead during the bottom half of the second when Peterson launched his eleventh home run of the season over the R Yard in left field, a solo shot that moved the score to 1-0.
Tony Kemp responded with a two-run homer of his own during the top of the third that gave Fresno a 2-1 lead.
Tacoma equalized during the bottom of the fifth when designated hitter Daniel Vogelbach grounded out to second base, scoring center fielder Leonys Martin and tying the game at 2-2.
Strong situational hitting and smart base running from the Rainiers helped them reclaim the lead in the bottom of the sixth. Back to back singles from Muno and Smith and a walk from catcher Tuffy Gosewisch loaded the bases for Martin. He lifted a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Muno from third and giving Tacoma a 3-2 lead. Ashur Tolliver then threw a wild pitch, allowing Smith to come home and extend the lead to 4-2.
The Grizzlies retook the lead in dramatic fashion during the top of the eighth when Tyler White crushed a go-ahead three-run homer to take a 5-4 lead.
The Rainiers head to Albuquerque Monday night to open a four-game series with the Isotopes. Right hander Christian Bergman (7-0, 2.91) will be on the mound for Tacoma and lefty Sam Howard (2-2, 5.16) will get the start for the 'Topes. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m.
All tickets, group outings and suites packages for the 2017 season are available for purchase in person at the Cheney Stadium Box Office, online at www.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.