The Tacoma Rainiers have been a thorn in the side of the Salt Lake Buzz this season.
The Rainiers beat the Buzz seven of eight times in the first half of the PCL season - including five in a row at Franklin Quest Field.The Buzz exacted a little revenge Friday night, however, downing the Rainiers 8-6 in the first game of a four-game series.
The win was Salt Lake's third in a row and improved its record to 4-5 during the second half of the PCL season. Tacoma dropped to 4-5.
First baseman Steve Dunn hit a three-run home run in the third inning while second baseman Brian Raabe added a two-run shot in the sixth to lead the Buzz to the victory. Third basemen Tom Quinlan went 3-for-4 with an RBI for Salt Lake.
John Courtright evened his record at 2-2 for the Buzz, while Sean Gavaghan hurled 31/3 scoreless innings to earn his first save of the season. Gavaghan, who was recently promoted to the Buzz from AA New Britain, gave up just one hit while striking out two.
John Jackson, Salt Lake's new outfielder, continued his fine play. Jackson had a double - his sixth extra-base hit in four games for the Buzz - and scored two runs Friday.
The series continues tonight with Mike Misuraca (4-5, 4.69 ERA) starting for the Buzz. The teams will continue the series with an afternoon game Sunday and conclude it Monday night.
The Buzz will be in Salt Lake Tuesday to start a series against the Colorado Springs Sky Sox. There will be Fourth of July fireworks following Tuesday's sold-out game at Franklin Quest Field.
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