Tacoma, WA - Infielder Tim Lopes launched the first grand slam of his career on Friday, helping Tacoma nearly close a seven-run gap, but the Rainiers left the tying run aboard in the bottom of the ninth, falling to the Sacramento River Cats in the three-game series opener at Cheney
Tacoma, WA - Infielder Tim Lopes launched the first grand slam of his career on Friday, helping Tacoma nearly close a seven-run gap, but the Rainiers left the tying run aboard in the bottom of the ninth, falling to the Sacramento River Cats in the three-game series opener at Cheney Stadium, 8-6.
With the Rainiers behind in the bottom of the seventh, 8-2, Lopes launched a grand slam over the left-center field videoboard with two outs, scoring Ian Miller, John Andreoli and Eric Young, Jr. to narrow the deficit, 8-6. Lopes has a 12-game hitting streak and has collected hits in 15 of his last 17 games, hitting at a .352 clip over that span (24-for-68).
Sacramento (52-47) took an early two-run lead in the top of the first, but Lopes scored Andreoli in the next half inning on a sacrifice fly to center field, putting Tacoma on the board, 2-1.
Southpaw Sean Nolin (3-1) made the start for Tacoma (48-51) and took his first loss with the Rainiers by allowing seven runs across the first four innings. Nolin entered play having made four consecutive quality starts and had a 2.08 ERA over his previous five outings.
Right-hander Darin Gillies took over on the mound in the fifth with the bases loaded and nobody out. Gillies rolled a double play and allowed just one of the inherited runners to score, and the righty went two innings of one-run ball with a pair of strikeouts.
In the bottom of the seventh, Kelby Tomlinson scored Tacoma's second run of the game on a throwing error by Sacramento shortstop Abiatal Avelino. Lopes followed with his grand slam to cap a five-run rally.
Brandon Brennan made his third rehab appearance, and second in as many nights, and the right-hander threw a scoreless seventh before handing the ball over to Reggie McClain. McClain retired all six River Cats he faced, needing just 23 pitches to strike out five hitters, the most he's punched out in a relief appearance this season.
In the bottom of the ninth, Tacoma put the potential tying run on first, but a shallow line out and a strikeout stranded the runners to end the game.
The Rainiers will look to even the series against Sacramento on Saturday at Cheney Stadium. Right-hander Nabil Crismatt (0-1, 8.47) will take the hill for Tacoma at 7:05 p.m. on Silver Bullet Saturday, presented by Coors Light. Mike Curto will have full coverage of on South Sound Talk 850 with audio streaming available on the Tacoma Rainiers TuneIn Radio Network.
All tickets, group outings, and suites packages for the 2019 season are available for purchase in person at the Cheney Stadium Box Office, online at TacomaRainiers.com and WeRTacoma.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), Instagram (tacomarainiers) or liking the team on Facebook.
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