From Deseret News archives:
Tacoma rains runs down on Bees
It poured runs — Tacoma runs.
The Rainiers may have brought the wet weather from Washington with them, but they also brought the lightning, striking for seven runs in the sixth inning and doubling up the Bees 12-6. It was Salt Lake's fifth loss in six games since the All-Star break.
"I'm disappointed," said Bees manager Brian Harper. "But I also know we can turn it around just as quick."
Tacoma didn't waste any time scoring two runs in the first on Adam Jones' two-run double. The Bees looked like they were up to the challenge, however, striking back for three runs in the bottom half of the inning. Tommy Murphy scored on a groundout and Terry Evans and Mike Eylward smashed back-to-back home runs to give the Bees the lead at 3-2.
The Rainiers scored two in the third and the Bees rallied for one in the third and one in the fifth to take a temporary 5-4 lead.
Under the sprinkle that was falling down on Franklin Covey, Tacoma exploded for seven runs in the top of the sixth. Jeff Clement doubled home a run, Rob Johnson smacked a two-run single, Jeremy Reed singled in two runs and Jones hit an RBI single. Bryan Lahair continued the base-running merry-go-round with another RBI single. When the smoke cleared, the Rainiers found themselves with an 11-5 lead.
"We made too many mistakes over the plate," said Harper, "And they're a pretty good hitting team."
Kasey Olenberger, usually one of the Bees' most solid pitchers, suffered the loss, giving up nine runs and 12 hits in 5 1/3 innings.
"In all fairness to Kasey, he's pitched great all year," Harper said. "He's just had a couple of bad starts (but) he'll get back on track."
The score was tied at 4-4 in the bottom of the fifth when the rain began to fall substantially. The Bees were able to take a 5-4 lead on Evans' RBI single, meaning if the game was canceled then Salt Lake would walk away victorious. No such luck as the rain subsided and Tacoma was able to tear the game wide open the following inning.
NOTES: Monday night's victory over Tacoma meant the Bees won the season series vs. the Rainiers for the first time since 2003 ... Entering the game, Olenberger led the PCL in innings pitched with 125.1. Tuesday night was only the third time in 20 starts Olenberger has not lasted at least six innings.
E-mail: nstorey@desnews.com
