Rainiers Send Four to 2014 Triple-A All-Star Game

TACOMA, Wash. -- The Pacific Coast League office today announced that Tacoma Rainiers infielders Chris Taylor, Nick Franklin and Gabriel Noriega, and pitcher Logan Kensing will represent the PCL in the 2014 Cree Triple-A All-Star Game on Wednesday, July 16 in Durham, North Carolina. This marks the first season since 2001 the Rainiers will feature four players in the annual contest that pits the PCL's best against standouts from the International League.

Taylor, 23, was elected to start at shortstop for the PCL squad in his first season playing at the Triple-A level. The Virginia Beach, Virginia native ranks sixth in the league with a .322 (73x227) batting average in 56 games played with the Rainiers. In his third season since his selection by the Mariners in the fifth round of the 2012 draft, Taylor leads his Tacoma teammates with 118 total bases and sits tied for third in the PCL with six triples.

Noriega, 23, was the other player elected to represent Tacoma at this year's All-Star Game. In 63 appearances since making his Triple-A debut on April 16, the infielder has produced a .328 (77x235) batting average with the Rainiers - the third-highest in the league. Noriega has turned in 16 doubles, one home run, 23 RBI and 22 multi-hit games in his seventh season since signing with the Rainiers as an international free agent in 2007.

Franklin, 23, was selected to play in his first Triple-A All-Star Game in his third season playing at Tacoma. The infielder is batting .302 (64x212) with 11 doubles, one triple, nine home runs and 37 RBI in 56 games with the Rainiers. He leads his Tacoma teammates and sits 10th in the PCL with a .397 on-base percentage. A first round selection by Seattle in the 2009 draft, Franklin made his Major League debut on May 27 of last season and has gone on to appear in 119 games with the Mariners.

Kensing, 31, is appearing in his first Triple-A All-Star Game in his 12th season of professional baseball. The right-hander leads the Rainiers relief staff with a 1.70 ERA (10ERx53.0IP) and 48 strikeouts in 29 relief appearances, including 19 scoreless outings. Originally drafted by the Marlins in the second round of the 2003 draft, Kensing is in his first season pitching in the Mariners organization since signing with Seattle as a minor league free agent in January.

The 2014 Cree Triple-A All-Star Game will be televised live from Durham Bulls Athletic Park on MLB Network beginning at 4 p.m. on July 16. The radio broadcast of the game will be also heard live locally on South Sound Sports 850-AM and is available to be streamed online at www.tacomarainiers.com.

The Rainiers wrap up a four-game homestand against the Reno Aces with the team's annual July 3rd Extravaganza at Cheney Stadium tonight. Right-hander Jordan Pries (4-5, 3.11) is expected to start for Tacoma against the Aces right-hander Charles Brewer (3-5, 7.28). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m., and a special Independence Day-themed fireworks display will be shown immediately following the conclusion of the game.

To purchase single-game, season or group tickets, please visit the team online at www.tacomarainiers.com, call 1-800-745-3000 or visit the Cheney Stadium Box Office located at the front entrance of the ballpark. Up-to-date news and notes about 'Pink at the Park' or any can be found at www.tacomarainiers.com and by following the Rainiers on Twitter (@RainiersLand) or liking the team on Facebook.