Rainiers Fall To Fresno, 11-4

TACOMA, Wash. -- Stefen Romero homered and collected three hits as the Tacoma Rainiers fell 11-4 in the team's series opener against Fresno played at Cheney Stadium on Thursday night.

The outfielder ended the night going 3-for-4 against the Grizzlies, beginning with singles collected in both the first and third innings. He notched the Rainiers first run, too, after leading off the bottom of the sixth inning with a solo home run to left field. Romero has now homered in three times in five games since being optioned from Seattle on August 1st.

Romero's shot went on to spark a three-run inning that interrupted what had been a 7-0 lead held by the Grizzlies. After Ty Kelly and Julio Morban hit back-to-back two-out singles and Nate Tenbrink drew a walk to load the bases, catcher John Hicks lined a two-run single that cut the Rainiers deficit down to 7-3.

Michael Saunders, in the first game of a Major League rehab assignment with the Rainiers, collected one of Tacoma's eight total hits and ended the night 1-for-4 with a walk.

Starting pitcher Erasmo Ramirez (3-5) was dealt the loss after surrendering one run - a first-inning leadoff homer to outfielder Gary Brown - in 2.0 innings of work. The right-hander struck out two and walked one in his 12th turn in the Rainiers rotation this season.

The Rainiers (60-59) host the second game of a five-game series with Fresno (58-61) at 7:05 p.m. tomorrow, August 8. Right-hander Forrest Snow (1-2, 1.31) is slated to start for Tacoma against Grizzlies right-hander Austin Fleet (2-0, 6.55). A Friday Night Fireworks display will be shown immediately following the final out.

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.