RENO – The opening game of the four-game series between two Pacific Coast League division contenders lived up to its billing, with multiple lead changes before being decided by a late rally.
But as far as the Tacoma Rainiers are concerned, it was a dud.
Reno scored twice in the bottom of the eighth inning to claim an 8-7 victory Saturday night.
Reno infielder Angel Berroa – yes, the 2003 American League rookie of the year with the Kansas City Royals – hit a two-run double in the bottom of the eighth inning off Rainiers reliever Cesar Jimenez, driving home the tying and winning runs for the Acves.
The 34-year-old Berroa, who was recently salvaged from the independent Atlantic League, was 3-for-4 with two runs scored to go with the hit that sent the Rainiers to their fifth consecutive loss.
Tacoma is now 61/2 games behind Reno in the PCL’s Pacific North Division with three games remaining in the series.
Once the series ends, only 13 games remain for the Rainiers to try to gain ground – so wins in the next three games appear necessary if the defending PCL champions are going to reach the postseason again.
Tacoma (63-65) fell behind early.
Reno took a 5-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth inning, when Tacoma starting pitcher Erasmo Ramirez loaded the bases with no outs on two walks and a hit batter.
Reno designated hitter Juan Miranda made him pay for his wildness, driving a three-run triple to right-center field.
After being limited to just a Chris Gimenez solo home run over the first five innings by Reno starter Kevin Mulvey, the Rainiers tied the score in the top of the sixth inning.
Michael Saunders hit a two-out, run-scoring single to right, and Matt Tuiasosopo launched a three-run double off the center field fence to tie the game, 5-5.
The Aces (69-58) regained the lead on a run-scoring single by catcher Lucas May in the bottom of the sixth inning.
The Rainiers answered with two runs in the top of the seventh, taking their first lead of the game.
Alex Liddi hit a sacrifice fly to tie the game, and Greg Halman scored on a two-out passed ball to make it 7-6, Tacoma.
Reno closer Ryan Cook pitched a rare 1-2-3 inning in the ninth, securing his fourth save.
Tacoma had another costly baserunning mistake. With the bases loaded and one out in the top of the eighth, Greg Halman lined out to left fielder Evan Frey. Carlos Triunfel strayed too far off second base and was easily doubled off by Frey, ending the inning.
SHORT HOPS
The series is a homecoming of sorts for Gimenez, who played his college ball in Reno at the University of Nevada. … Reno catcher Robbie Hammock was ejected in the sixth inning by home plate umpire Mike Jarboe for arguing balls and strikes.
ON TAP
The second game of the series is today at 1:05 p.m. Tacoma is scheduled to start Nate Robertson (5-5, 6.53) against Reno left-hander Zach Kroenke (8-2, 6.04).
Mike Curto is the radio broadcaster for the Tacoma Rainiers
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.