Rainiers Top Sacramento In Extras, 4-3

TACOMA, Wash. -- The Tacoma Rainiers posted a pair of rallies on the way to topping the Sacramento River Cats 4-3 in extra innings at Cheney Stadium on Sunday.

The latest of those comebacks came in the bottom of the 14th inning, when the Rainiers rebounded from a 3-2 deficit with two runs on three hits. Outfielder Ji-Man Choi hit a sacrifice fly that tied the score at 3-3 with two outs before first baseman Jesus Montero lined a game-winning single that plated Xavier Avery in the team's next at-bat.

Tacoma was forced to battle back from a 2-1 hole earlier in the outing. Designated hitter Justin Smoak locked the score at two runs apiece after hitting a sacrifice fly that plated Nick Franklin. That score stuck until Sacramento's Jose Martinez delivered a go-ahead sacrifice fly in the top of the 14th. 

The Rainiers collected a combined 12 hits in the contest, led by three-hit efforts from the outfielder Avery and infielder Nick Franklin. Along with his three singles, Franklin accounted for the Rainiers first run of the game after hitting into a game-tying ground out in the bottom of the fifth inning.

Reliever Blake Beavan (2-0) collected the win despite surrendering one run on two hits and two walks in 1.0 inning of work in the 14th. He and fellow relievers Andrew Carraway (1.2), Logan Bawcom (2.0), Carson Smith (2.0) and Logan Kensing (2.0) combined to hold Sacramento to two runs on eight hits in 9.1 innings out of the bullpen.

James Paxton, in his third rehab start with the Rainiers, surrendered one run on six hits in 4.1 innings. The left-hander struck out five and walked three.

The Rainiers (54-55) host the final game of five-game series with Sacramento (62-47) at 11:35 a.m. tomorrow, July 28. Right-hander Erasmo Ramirez (2-4, 4.12) is scheduled to start for Tacoma in the finale against River Cats right-hander Matt Buschmann (6-5, 5.23).

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.