Rawhide Struck by 66ers Power Surge

Visalia, CA – The Inland Empire 66ers (4-8) hit three home runs to defeat the Visalia Rawhide (4-9) on Friday night at Valley Strong Ballpark. The six game series is even at two games apiece.

Major Leaguer Tommy Henry made a rehab start for Visalia tossing 2.2 innings with six hits allowed and two runs. Henry was making his first competitive appearance since having Tommy John surgery last June. The former D-backs pitcher now on a Minor League contract struck out five batters without a walk.

Inland Empire used two singles and a fielder's choice to score the game’s first run in the first inning and added a solo homer in the second.

Carlos Virahonda put the Rawhide on the board with a leadoff solo blast to left field in the fourth. The catcher from Venezuela leads Visalia with three home runs on the season.

Visalia brought the tying run to third base in a 2-1 game in the seventh but could not score. The 66ers added a solo homer in the eighth and a two run long ball in the ninth.

Chung-Hsiang Huang kept the Rawhide within striking distance with four shutout innings and five strikeouts.

The series continues on Saturday with a Sir Loin bobblehead giveaway for the first 500 fans thanks to Valley Strong Credit Union. The Rawhide will again transform into the Central Valley Sir Loins for the day and fans can enjoy a drink special of two beers for just $25. Postgame will feature a Sir Loins themed drone show.

First pitch between the Rawhide and 66ers is scheduled for 6:35 PM with gates opening for season ticket holders at 5:15 PM and the general public at 5:30 PM.

Rawhide tickets are available through the team’s website and at the stadium box office sponsored by Kaweah Health starting at Noon on weekend gamedays.

--

The Visalia Rawhide are the Single-A Affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks playing professional baseball in the Central Valley since 1946. The Rawhide's 2026 theme is "Savor the Season" as the team transforms into the Central Valley Sir Loins on Saturday gamedays.   

Stay up to date with the Rawhide on the team’s website and by following the Rawhide on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and X. The Rawhide play all home games at Valley Strong Ballpark located at 300 N Giddings Street Visalia, CA 93291.

Fans can purchase season ticket packages, group ticket plans, single game tickets and team merchandise through the Rawhide website and at the stadium ticket office sponsored by Kaweah Health. All Rawhide games can be watched on MLB.TV and the Bally Sports Live App with a free radio broadcast also available online. Select home games will be aired on KNXT MyTV53. For more information, visit milb.com/visalia, email [email protected] or call (559) 732-4433.