Tacoma Rainiers News: July 26 - August 1, 2024

The Tacoma Rainiers, the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, have had a mixed bag of performances over the past week. Here’s a detailed look at their recent games and notable achievements.

Recent Games

The Rainiers have been facing a tough series against the Salt Lake Bees. As of August 1, they are 0-2 in the current series, having been outscored 27-12 by the Bees. This series has been a challenge, with the Rainiers struggling to find their rhythm against a strong Salt Lake team.

Notable Performances

Despite the tough series, there have been some standout performances from the Rainiers' bullpen. Trevor Kelley has been particularly impressive, not allowing an earned run in his last 14 appearances. This streak, which began on June 13, is the longest in the Pacific Coast League this season. Kelley has maintained a WHIP of 1.34 and struck out 24 batters while issuing just six walks in 15.2 innings pitched.

Another reliever, Brett de Geus, has also been performing well. He has held opponents scoreless in his past seven outings, starting from July 6. De Geus has struck out six batters across 7.0 innings pitched and has a 1.29 WHIP. He is currently tied for fifth in the PCL with seven saves.

Ryan Bliss's Hot Streak

Ryan Bliss, the Rainiers' utility-man, has been on a hot streak since being optioned by Seattle on July 22. In seven games, Bliss has slashed .310/.382/.621, playing all over the diamond, including his first career stint in the outfield. His nine hits include five extra-base hits, showcasing his versatility and power at the plate.

July Recap

July was a month of ups and downs for the Rainiers. They started strong with back-to-back series wins but ended on a rough note, finishing 12-11 for the month. The team struggled with midweek games, particularly on Wednesdays, where they failed to win a single game. Despite these challenges, the Rainiers remain a top team in the league, never falling below .500 all season.

Fan Engagement

The Rainiers' home games at Cheney Stadium continue to be a fan favorite, thanks in part to dedicated staff like Chester Rito. Rito, an usher with over 70 years of baseball passion, has been a fixture at the stadium for 14 seasons. He enhances the fan experience with unique gestures, such as bringing vintage newspapers to spark memories and distributing baseball cards to young fans.

Upcoming Games

The Rainiers will look to turn the page and improve their performance in the coming games. With their strong bullpen and emerging stars like Ryan Bliss, they have the potential to bounce back from their current series against the Bees. Fans can look forward to exciting matchups and the chance to see these talented players in action.

For the latest updates, scores, and tickets, visit the official Tacoma Rainiers website.