Rainiers Offense Blows Past Chihuahuas, 8-5

EL PASO, Texas - Home runs from Taylor Motter and Cameron Perkins and a quality start from Rob Whalen pushed the Tacoma Rainiers (16-17) to an 8-5 victory over the El Paso Chihuahuas (18-16) on Wednesday night at Southwest University Park. 
Whalen (4-2) turned in a strong start for Tacoma, allowing just two runs (one earned) on four hits over six innings. He struck out seven and walked just two, earning the win.

All nine players in the Tacoma lineup notched hits as the club collected 14 total base knocks. Right fielder John Andreoli (3x4, R, 3B, RBI), designated hitter Daniel Vogelbach (2x4, 2B, BB), catcher Chris Herrmann (2x5, R), and center fielder Ian Miller (2x4, 2 R) all collected multiple hits, while Motter and Perkins collected five RBI on a pair of home runs.
El Paso struck first with a run in the bottom of the second inning, but Tacoma found a quick answer in the top of the third. Miller poked a two-out single into center field to keep the inning alive for Motter, who hit his second home run in as many games to give the Rainiers a 2-1 advantage.
Andreoli opened the top of the fifth for Tacoma with a triple to deep center field that set up a three-run frame. An RBI single from shortstop Zach Vincej and sacrifice fly outs from Motter and second baseman Gordon Beckham pushed the Rainiers lead out to 5-1.
Tacoma took a 6-2 lead into the ninth inning and expanded their cushion thanks to a line-drive two-run home run from Perkins. His third home run of the season blew the game open at 8-2.
Right-hander Darin Gillies (2.0 IP) relieved Whalen and tossed two innings of scoreless relief - he allowed just two hits and struck out three.
Recently acquired right-hander Tucker Healy pitched the ninth inning for Tacoma and allowed three runs (two earned) on two hits, but held on to secure the Rainiers an 8-5 victory.
Rainiers right-hander Max Povse (1-5, 7.58) and Chihuahuas righty Luis Perdomo (2-1, 3.13) take the mound as the series continues on Thursday night at 5:35 p.m. PT.
All tickets, group outings, and suites packages for the 2018 season are available for purchase in person at the Cheney Stadium Box Office, online at TacomaRainiers.com, or over the phone at (253) 752-7707. The most up-to-date news and notes about the Rainiers throughout the season can be found by following the Rainiers on Twitter (@RainiersLand) or liking the team on Facebook.