The Tacoma Rainiers dropped a 6-2 decision to the Round Rock Express at Dell Diamond, according to game records. Tacoma fell behind early after Round Rock plated three runs in the first frame, a deficit the Rainiers could not erase despite a quality start from pitcher Nolan Kingham.
Early Deficit Proves Too Much for Tacoma
Round Rock jumped out to an immediate lead in the bottom of the first inning. Cam Cauley started the frame with a double to right-center field off Kingham. Michael Helman followed with a single to put runners at the corners. A wild pitch from Kingham brought home the game’s first run. After Helman advanced to third on a groundout, John Taylor drove him in with an RBI single up the middle. Taylor then stole second, and Aaron Zavala drew a walk before Keyber Rodriguez doubled home another run, stretching the lead to 3-0.
Tacoma attempted a comeback in the fifth inning. Willie MacIver drew a leadoff walk and moved to third on Miles Mastrobuoni’s single down the left-field line. Ryan Bliss singled to right field to score MacIver, notching his 30th stolen base of the season shortly after. Following a walk to Leo Rivas that loaded the bases, Andy Ibáñez grounded into a double play that pushed across a second run, cutting the deficit to 3-2 according to team statistics.
Kingham Settles In Behind Strong Relief Efforts
Despite the rocky first inning, Kingham righted the ship for the Rainiers. The right-hander matched his season-high by tossing 6.0 innings, yielding three runs and logging his second quality start of the campaign. Kingham stranded runners in scoring position through the fourth, fifth, and sixth frames to keep Tacoma within striking distance.
Round Rock eventually broke the game open in the eighth. Taylor hit a leadoff single and Zavala walked, setting the stage for Rodriguez to drive in his second run of the night with a single. Tacoma turned to reliever Charlie Beilenson, who retired his first two batters before surrendering a two-out, two-run double to Cauley. Emiliano Teodo retired the Rainiers in order in the top of the ninth to seal the 6-2 victory for the Express.
Individual Milestones and Hitting Streaks
Ryan Bliss finished the night 2-for-4 with an RBI and two stolen bases. The 30 steals give Bliss 30 for the season.
Tacoma finishes its schedule against Round Rock on Sunday morning, with Carson Fulmer scheduled to take the mound for the regular-season finale.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Tacoma Rainiers season end?
The Rainiers wrap up their regular season schedule on Sunday, September 20, with an 11:05 AM Pacific Time first pitch.
Who is starting the season finale for Tacoma?
Carson Fulmer is scheduled to pitch for the Rainiers in the final game of the year.
How many stolen bases does Ryan Bliss have?
Stay Updated on Rainiers Baseball
Want to catch all the latest minor league updates and player milestones? Subscribe to our newsletter or explore our site for more postgame coverage.
Worth a look