Rainiers Fall Short Against Fresno In Extras

TACOMA, Wash. -- The Tacoma Rainiers came up short in a 4-3 extra-innings loss to the Fresno Grizzlies at Cheney Stadium on Monday.

Tacoma trailed the Grizzlies 3-2 before posting a one-run rally in the bottom of the eighth inning. Outfielder Xavier Avery led off with a double, advanced to third when Michael Saunders flied out to left field and then scored the game-tying run on an RBI single hit by Stefen Romero.

The score remained locked at 3-3 until Fresno pulled ahead for good in the 11th inning. Infielder Tony Abreu scored the game-deciding run from third base on a wild pitch thrown by Lucas Luetge, snapping the Rainiers winning streak at three game.

As a team, the Rainiers combined to collect a total of ten hits in the series finale. Infielder Ketel Marte went 2-for-3 in his first Triple-A game following a promotion from Double-A Jackson on Sunday. Romero and Ty Kelly turned in the team's other multi-hit efforts after each collected a pair of hits. Romero is now batting .371 (13x35) with 11 RBI in eight games since begin optioned from Seattle on August 1.

The left-hander Luetge (3-2) was dealt the loss after surrendering the go-ahead run in 1.0 inning of work in the 11th. Starter Jordan Pries surrendered three runs on six hits and five walks in 5.1 innings. Relievers Matt Palmer and Logan Bawcom combined to strike out five in 4.2 shutout innings of work out of the bullpen.

The Rainiers (63-60) open a four-game series at New Orleans tomorrow, August 12. Right-hander Andrew Carraway (6-5, 5.54) is slated to start for Tacoma in the opener. The Zephyrs plan to start left-hander Andrew Heaney (4-4, 4.35). First pitch is scheduled for 5 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 throughout the 2014 season can be found at www.tacomarainiers.com and by following the Rainiers on Twitter (@RainiersLand) or liking the team on Facebook.