Rainiers Score Early And Often, Hold On To Beat 51s, 8-6

LAS VEGAS, Nevada - The Tacoma Rainiers (25-24) climbed back above the .500 mark with an 8-6 victory over the Las Vegas 51s (20-29) on Friday night at Cashman Field.
Center fielder Taylor Motter led the Rainiers on offense, going 2-for-5 with a three-run home run and four RBI. First baseman Cameron Perkins (2x5, 2 R, 2B, RBI) also collected multiple hits, while third baseman Seth Mejias-Brean (1x4, R, HR, 2 RBI) drove in a pair of runs on his second homer with Tacoma.

Left fielder Ian Miller gave the Rainiers their earliest lead of the season in the top of the first inning - he led off the game with a triple and came across to score on the same play courtesy of a 51s error, giving Tacoma a 1-0 edge.
Tacoma built their lead up to 6-0 with a big five-run frame in the top of the third. Motter blasted a three-run home run in the inning and was joined by Mejias-Brean, who swatted a two-run dinger to left field.
The Rainiers scored twice more down the stretch and limited damage during a handful of 51s rallies to hold on for an 8-6 series-opening victory. Darin Gillies (1.2 IP), Dario Álvarez (0.1 IP), and Shawn Armstrong (1.0 IP) all earned holds out of the Tacoma bullpen.
Tacoma starting pitcher Casey Lawrence (3-1) contributed five innings of work and allowed four runs (three earned) on seven hits while striking out four and issuing no walks. He earned the win, his third of the year.
Mike Morin tossed a perfect ninth inning with a pair of strikeouts to earn his third save of the year - he now has saves in each of his last three outings.
The Rainiers and 51s continue their series on Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. PT. Tacoma right-hander Christian Bergman (3-3, 3.29) will square off against Las Vegas righty Cody Martin (0-0, 0.00).
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.