The Tacoma Rainiers have a doubleheader tonight at Cheney Stadium, with two back-to-back games being played against the Las Vegas Aviators starting at 5:05. It’s going to be two seven-inning games, with a 30-minute break in between. One ticket gets you into the entire event, so come on out and see some ball.
The twinbill was scheduled to make up a game that was rained out the last time Las Vegas visited Tacoma, on May 28. After today’s games are played, the Rainiers will be fully caught up on all scheduled games for the season.
This is, in all likelihood, the final doubleheader of the season for Tacoma. The only way the team could play another is if we had a future rainout, and we’re definitely hoping that doesn’t happen.
Tacoma has only played one other doubleheader this season. The fourth game of the season on April 8th got rained out, and it was made up in a doubleheader the next day. The results that day were a bit unusual: visiting Salt Lake won the first game 12-0, and then the Rainiers won the second game… 1-0. What a juxtaposition.
Seven-inning games are kind of fun. The strategy ramps up earlier in the contest, and by the end of the fourth we’re into the late innings. I wouldn’t want to play these all the time, but every once in a while they’re enjoyable. It’s a good minor leagues-only rule that has been in place for decades.
RAINIERS DAILY
YESTERDAY: Las Vegas used one big inning to knock off Tacoma, 5-4, and even-up the series at two games apiece. After a leadoff walk, an error, and a couple hits Dermis Garcia launched a three-run homer to cap a five-run top of the 7th for Las Vegas. Abraham Toro’s three-run homer in the bottom of the inning brought Tacoma within one run, but the Rainiers could not tie the game. Tacoma starting pitcher Austin Warner was solid, delivering five shutout innings as he continues to impress since being moved into the rotation.
TODAY: Las Vegas Aviators (53-55) at Tacoma Rainiers (49-59), doubleheader, 5:05.
OPPONENT AFFILIATION: Oakland A’s.
OPPOSING MANAGER: Fran Riordan – but he’s away from the team right now, and Steve Scarsone is filling in during this series.
SEASON SERIES: Las Vegas leads, 10-5.
PITCHERS: Game One: RHP Adrian Martinez (4-6, 5.54) at LHP Justus Sheffield (4-5, 6.60)
Both teams listed their Game Two starter as “TBA” so it’s probably going to be a bullpen game for each.
ROSTER MOVES: Today outfielder Taylor Trammell, who has been on a rehabilitation assignment with Tacoma, was activated from the Mariners injured list and optioned to Tacoma.
HOT HITTERS: Taylor Trammell went 11-for-30 (.367) with two homers during the first eight games of his rehabilitation assignment… Erick Mejia has a six-game hitting streak, and he has reached base safely in 11 straight games… Forrest Wall has a six-game hitting streak… Jonathan Villar has multiple hits in four of the seven games he has played in since joining the team.
OPPONENT NEWS: The Aviators come into the series on a seven-game losing streak, and they have now lost 19 of the last 24 games… Las Vegas has the Charles Wright Academy alum Nate Mondou on its roster, and former Rainiers reliever Dave McKay is also on the team… Billy McKinney has reached base in 11 straight games… Sheldon Neuse has a ten-game hitting streak… David MacKinnon is 7-for-17 in the series.
BROADCAST: All games will be broadcast free on a live audio stream which is available right here.
Unfortunately, there is no traditional terrestrial radio station carrying the games at this time.
PCL SCOREBOARD: Follow all league games in real-time with links to broadcasts and Gameday screens right here.
Links:
- The Mariners Double-A Arkansas affiliate pitched a no-hitter last night. Prelander Berroa absolutely dominated the first five innings, striking out 11, and four relievers combined to finish it off.
- Seattle cruised to a “drama-free” win at Texas last night in the road trip opener.
- The Mariners lineup is at full strength for the first time since late April.
- Larry Stone has a column about how promising it is looking that the M’s playoff drought will end this year.
- Congrats to the Bonney Lake-Sumner Little League All-Stars who are on their way to the LLWS in Williamsport this week!
June 7, 2023