COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Tacoma lost to Colorado Springs on Saturday night, 8-5, in a game that was close to a mirror image of the game the two teams played on Friday.
This time, it was the Sky Sox who blew an early lead, came back, and then had excellent relief pitching to preserve a win.
“They did what we did yesterday,” said Tacoma manager Daren Brown. “They jumped out to a lead, we took the lead back, and then let them have it right back.”
The Reno Aces can clinch the Pacific-North division with one more win, ending the Rainiers’ hope of defending the PCL title. The Aces were tied with the Tucson Padres in the 15th inning at press time.
The Sky Sox scored three runs in the bottom of the first inning against Tacoma starter Luke French, with the first four batters reaching on singles. Jorge Cantu’s single drove in two runs.
Tacoma took the lead with a four-run rally in the top of the third. Michael Saunders tied the game with a two-run double, and Luis Jimenez singled him home to give Tacoma a 4-3 lead.
But the Sky Sox immediately retook the lead in the bottom of the third. French walked Willy Taveras to open the inning, and Chris Nelson followed with a single.
Then French fielded a Joe Mather bunt and tried to shovel the ball to first base – but he sent it right past Johan Limonta and down the right field line. Both runners scored and Mather ended up at third base.
“When you get a one-run lead and then come out and walk the leadoff guy, things tend to snowball from there,” said Brown.
French (8-9) allowed eight runs on 10 hits over six innings.
Colorado Springs starter Edgar Gonzalez pitched well – with the exception of the third inning. He ended up going six full frames, striking out nine.
SHORT HOPS
Mike Wilson went 0-for-4, ending his hitting streak at ten games. Wilson batted .452 during the streak, going 19-for-42.
ON TAP
The Rainiers final road game of the season will be on today at 12:05 p.m. Tacoma starts left-hander Chris Seddon (8-6, 6.41) against Colorado Springs right-hander Joey Williamson (2-2, 8.65).
(NOTE TO EDITOR: if Reno wins tonight, they clinch the Pacific-North, ending Tacoma hopes of defending the PCL title.)
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.