A few weeks ago, it seemed impossible to think the Tacoma Rainiers were a postseason caliber team. They were 7 1/2 games out of the Pacific North Division of the PCL and any playoff chances were fading with each game. To make matters worse they were embarking on a nine-game road trip.

But what happened, Tacoma swept the road trip taking four games from Fresno and five from Portland to improve to 70-66 and skip past Colorado Springs (69-65) into first place in the division.

Here's Ian Ruder's story from Sunday's win where the Rainiers beat Padres pitching prospect Aaron Poreda, who was acquired from the White Sox in the Jake Peavy deal.

The Rainiers open their final homestand of the season today at Cheney Stadium. They will host the Salt Lake Bees for a four-game homestand, and wrap up the homestand with a big four-game series against Colorado Springs that could decide the division winner.

Garrett Olson is scheduled to start tonight for the Rainiers.

The International League just put it away, 6-5.

Estaban German of Oklahoma City hit a two-run home run with two outs in the bottom of the ninth to pull the PCL close. But Eric Young of Colorado Springs struck out to end it.

German won the PCL's Top Star Award, going 3-for-4 with a single, double and the two-run homer. Indianapolis catcher Erik Kratz won it for the International League, going 2-for-2 with a home run, a double and two RBI.

Winning pitcher was Andrew Carpenter of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs -- not joking, I'm afraid. Loser was Yorman Bazardo of Round Rock.

LaHair's eighth: After walking in his first appearance, Tacoma's Bryan LaHair just struck out swinning on a 2-2 count in the bottom of the eighth.

The International League leads, 6-3, heading into the ninth.

LaHair's sixth: Tacoma's lone player representative, Bryan LaHair took over at first base in the top of the sixth inning. And he came up to bat in the bottom of the sixth, working a walk.

IL leads, 6-3.

Crowd of 16,637 is the largest Triple-A All-Star crowd since 1991 in Louisville and the third-largest since the game's inception.

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UPDATE: It's confirmed, Shelton will be with Mariners on Thursday.

UPDATE: Expect to see Shelton in Seattle tomorrow. No word on who will be sent down.

Well, I'm at a horrifically boring Rainiers game tonight and Chris Shelton, who was 1-for-3 going into the ninth inning as the DH, and surprisingly, he was pinch hit for in his last at-bat by Prentice Redman.

Yes the game is 7-1, but Shelton being pinch hit for? Hmmmm.

We talked earlier today that the Mariners would most likely make a roster move and send a pitcher down and bring up a bench player. Garrett Olson pitched well out of the bullpen, Jason Vargas started today and Shelton pinch hit for? If I had to give guess on the move it would be Vargas being sent down and Shelton being called up. But that's just a guess.

Hmmmmmmm

For people living in the area but unable to get to watch Tacoma Rainiers games, you can now watch them on TV - well, if you have a Comcast cable system.

Hey, they aren't dull to watch with several solid players like Jeff Clement, Mike Carp, Mike Morse, Michael Saunders and Adam Moore. I would tell you to go to a game, since its cheap and enjoyable, but this is a pretty good thing as well.

Comcast SportsNet Northwest will start live broadcasts of 15 Rainiers games, starting with Friday night's game against the Reno Aces -- with Ryan Rowland-Smith making his final rehab start for the Rainiers.

Don't know if you have the channel, here's the listings for the areas.

“Adding the Rainiers to our lineup is the latest step in a sustained effort to obtain compelling local sports programming as our network continues to grow," Comcast SportsNet General Manager David Manougian said in a press release. "Triple-A baseball gives our viewers the opportunity to see the stars of tomorrow play today, and we are excited to feature the Rainiers this summer.”

With the channel reaching throughout Oregon and Washington, Rainiers president Aaron Artman is pleased that local fans can see a solid Rainiers team.

"We're thrilled to partner with Comcast Sports Northwest to bring live Rainiers games to fans throughout Washington and Oregon," R Artman said. "It’s exciting to be a key part of their summer programming. We think this partnership offers viewers not only a chance to see top players in the Seattle Mariners system, but also offers a glimpse into the fun and entertainment that is the beauty of minor league baseball."

Friday's game will be broadcast by the venerable Mike Curto, who's been the voice of the Rainiers for 11 years, a contributor to the News Tribune and a friend and reader of tihs blog.

The color commentary will rotate through the season, featuring Northwest broadcast talent including former professional baseball players, sports talk show hosts, and others. I'm already preparing my audition tape.

Here's the games that will be televised.
Friday, June 5th vs. Reno Aces 7 p.m.
Saturday, June 20th vs. Reno Aces 7 p.m.
Thursday, July 2nd vs. Portland Beavers 7 p.m.
Friday, July 3rd vs. Portland Beavers 7 p.m.
Thursday, July 9th vs. Portland Beavers 7 p.m.
Friday, July 10th vs. Portland Beavers 7 p.m.
Saturday, July 11th vs. Portland Beavers 7 p.m.
Sunday, July 12th vs. Portland Beavers 1:30pm
Friday, July 24th vs. Las Vegas 51s 7 p.m.
Sunday, August 2nd vs. Fresno Grizzlies 1:30pm
Friday, August 14th vs. Iowa Cubs 7 p.m.
Sunday, August 16th vs. Iowa Cubs 1:00pm
Friday, August 21st vs. Omaha Royals 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 4 vs. Colorado Springs Sky Sox 7 p.m.

Ryan Rowland-Smith was solid tonight in his second rehab start with the Tacoma Rainiers. He pitched five shut-out innings allowing three hits, striking out three and walking one. He threw 81 pitches with 54 of them strikes.

From Grant Clark's story in the News Tribune.

“Everything pretty much went the way I wanted it to go out there tonight,” said Rowland-Smith, who was placed on the disabled list by the Seattle Mariners on April 15 because of tendinitis in his left triceps. “My pitch count got a little high with (Michael) Garciaparra (in the third) and (Brendan) Katin (in the second), but besides that, I can’t complain.”

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Michael Garciaparra? The Michael Garciaparra? As in the Michael Garciaparra the Mariners selected in the first round of the 2001 draft with the 36th pick? Yes, it is the same Michael Garciaparra that was selected two picks ahead of David Wright. I seriously didn't know he was still playing ... but good for him.

Sorry I got to this so late ...

AAA Tacoma Rainiers (Pacific Coast League)
Here’s Mike Curto’s game story
BOX SCORE
Pitching Lines:
RH Andrew Baldwin (L,2-2) 5.2,12,6,6,0,3,4HR
RH Brodie Downs 2.1,3,2,2,0,2
With the Bats:
LF Michael Saunders 3x5, R, 2B, K
DH Jeff Clement 2x4, 2B, BB
3B Chris Shelton 2x4, R
Rainiers Notes: The Rainiers lost their 2nd in a row to New Orleans despite solid performances at the plate. Andrew Baldwin allowed a season high 6 runs including 4 home runs. DH Jeff Clement is starting to heat up; he collected his 4th extra-base hit in last 3 games with a double off the right field wall and during those games is batting (.462/6x13). Chris Shelton extended his hitting streak to 5 games (8x20/.400) and has recorded multi-hit efforts in 8 of his last 18 games. LF Michael Saunders tied a season-high with 3 hits. Recently promoted C Adam Moore went 1x3 with a BB and threw out 1 of 2 attempted base stealers. Over his last 10 games, Bryan LaHair is hitting .333 (12x36) with 8 runs, 4 home runs, 3 doubles, 8 RBI. Prentice Redman and LaHair both rank 5th in the PCL with 9 home runs. Mike Carp ranks 9th in league with 19 walks.
Today’s probable starter:
RH Josh Hall (0-0, 4.15) at New Orleans

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Rainiers' third baseman Matt Tuiasosopo has yet to play a game at third base this season because of an aching throwing elbow. And what was first thought to be tendinitis is now something more serious. Just today, I heard some whispers that Tuiasosopo may need season-ending surgery.

However, a quick call to Mariners' director of minor league operations Pedro Grifol cleared up some of the rumors.

Grifol confirmed that Tuiasosopo's elbow issues are something "more serious than tendinitis." But he wasn't allowed to go into further detail. However, he did say that Tuiasosopo was meeting with Mariners team orthopedic surgeon Dr. Edward Khalfayan today and within the next 24 hours, we'll know more about what will happen with Tuaisosopo next.

It's never good when a player visits an orthopedic surgeon, but Grifol said that the injury didn't seem to be serious enough where it would keep Tuiasosopo from playing this season or hindering his progress as a player.

The pain in the elbow started in spring training and carried over into the season. Tuiasosopo never played a game at third during his brief stint with the Mariners to start the season and when he returned to the Rainiers, he DH'd only until being placed on the disabled list.

So there's that. I guess we may know more tomorrow. I'll try and talk to GM Jack Zduriencik about Tuiasosopo as well as the situation with Jeff Clement and Adam Moore, which was mentioned earlier in the day.

Here's the minor league report ...

Yesterday’s Results --- Standings -- Winner/Loser/Save
Tacoma 3, at New Orleans 4 --- 17-16, 3rd, -4.0 --- L-L. Muñoz (0-2)
West Tenn 2, at Tennessee 3 --- 12-18, 4th, -3.5 --- L-S. Bray (0-1)
High Desert 7, at Rancho Cucamonga 3 --- 23-10, 1st, +5.0 --- W-D. Hume (3-1)
Beloit 5, at Clinton 2 --- 18-13, 2nd, -2.0 --- L-W. Suriel (0-3)

AAA Tacoma Rainiers (Pacific Coast League)
Here's Mike Curto's game story
BOX SCORE
Pitching Lines:
LH Chris Seddon 3.0,5,3,3,1,1
RH Luis Muñoz (L, 0-2) 5.0,5,1,1,1,3
With the Bats:
3B Chris Shelton 2x4, HR, R, 2 RBI, K
DH Jeff Clement 1x4, HR, R, RBI, K
SS Mike Morse 1x3, BB, K
Rainiers Notes: The Rainiers 4-game winning streak was snapped by the Zephyrs despite a solid relief appearance by Luis Muñoz who tossed 5.0 innings of 1-run ball. DH Jeff Clement homered for the 2nd straight day in the first inning, his 6th of the year. Chris Shelton also homered, his 4th extra-base hit during 4-game hit streak (6x16/.375) and has recorded multi-hit efforts in 8 of his last 17 games. Starter Chris Seddon had his shortest start of the year, tossing only 3.0 innings. OF Jerry Owens went 0x4 for the second straight game following a 5-game hitting streak that included 4 multihit games. Over his last 9 games, Bryan LaHair is hitting .375 (12x32) with 8 runs, 4 home runs, 3 doubles, 8 RBI. Prentice Redman and LaHair both rank 4th in the PCL with 9 home runs. Mike Carp ranks 7th in league with 19 walks.
Today’s probable starter:
RH Andrew Baldwin (2-1, 2.41) at New Orleans

AA West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx (Southern League)
BOX SCORE
Pitching Lines:
LH Daniel Christensen 6.0,6,2,2,2,3
RH Steve Bray (L, 0-1) 1.2,0,1,1,2,3
LH Nicholas Hill 0.1,1,0,0,0,0
With the Bats
LF Brent Johnson 2x3, 2B, RBI
CF Ezequiel Carrera 0x2, R, 3 BB, 2 K
DH Thomas Hubbard 1x3, RBI, BB
Jaxx Notes: The Diamond Jaxx lost a close game, giving up the winning run in the 8th inning when Jim Adduci plated his 3rd run of the game for the Smokies. Starter Daniel Christensen tossed a season-high 6.0 innings and has allowed only 3 earned runs over his last two starts (10.1 IP) for a 2.61 ERA. Brent Johnson went 2x3 with a double and an RBI, his first multi-hit game since April 20 and his 2nd double of the year. Johan Limonta went 1x3 with a walk and now has a season-high 4-game hitting streak (.462/6x13). CF Ezequiel Carrera was 0-for-2 but recorded a season high 3 walks (27 BB, 21 K) and has reached base in 28 of his last 29 games (.330, 35x106/.470 OBP). Carrera currently ranks T9th in the Southern League batting race. Mangini has hit safely in 13 of his last 16, batting .328 (20x61) with 6 runs, 4 extra-base hits, 12 RBI. OF Greg Halman leads Southern league in RBI (28), 2nd in home runs (10).
Today’s probable starter:
RH Ryan Patrick (1-2, 9.00) at Tennessee

A High Desert Mavericks (California League)
BOX SCORE
Pitching Lines:
LH Donald Hume (W, 3-1) 5.0,7,1,1,2,2,HR
LH Edward Paredes 2.0,1,0,0,0,0
RH Juan Zapata 1.0,3,2,2,0,0
RH Steven Richard 1.0,0,0,0,0,3
With the Bats:
DH Carlos Peguero 2x4, 2 HR, 2 R, 3 RBI
C Travis Scott 1x4, HR, R, RBI, K
3B Alex Liddi 2x4, 2 2B, R, 2 RBI
Mavericks Notes: The Mavericks used a 3-run rally in the 4th innin to take the lead for good over the Quakes as Ian Bladergroen’s RBI groundout was followed by a two-run double to center field by Alex Liddi. High Desert has not lost a series this season and leads the California League South Division by 5.0 games. Starter Donald Hume has only allowed 3 earned runs in his last two starts on the road (13.2 IP). Juan Zapata allowed 2 runs in the 8th but the Mavs put the game away in the 9th with home runs from Travis Scott and Carlos Peguero. Peguero also homered in the 7th inning, marking his first multi-homer game of the season. OF Tyson Gillies currently has 13-game hit streak (.392/20x51). 3B Alex Liddi (.373/3rd), OF Joe Dunigan (.356/7th) and Diaz (.349/8th) are ranked in the top 10 in the California League in batting. Dunigan, Seattle 5th round selection in 2007, leads the league in home runs (12), RBI (36) and slugging (.742). He leads all minor leaguers with 26 extra base hits. Mavs lead league batting .307 overall with league-best 51 home runs.
Today’s probable starter:
RH Nathan Adcock (3-2, 3.71) at Rancho Cucamonga

A Clinton LumberKings (Midwest League)
GAME STORY
BOX SCORE
Pitching Lines:
RH Walter Suriel (L, 0-3) 5.0,4,3,3,3,4
RH Chris Kirkland 4.0,3,2,2,2,2,HR
With the Bats:
RF Denny Almonte 1x4, HR, R, 2 RBI
CF Maximo Mendez 2x4, R, 2B, 3B, K
Lumberkings Notes: The LumberKings game was delayed by rain in the 6th inning, when play resumed, Beloit took the lead on a Nathan Hanson 2-run homer off reliever Chris Kirkland. Clinton briefly took the lead in the 3rd with a solo homer from Denny Almonte. Maximo Mendez collected a double and a triple but on the double was thrown out trying to stretch it at third, Almonte followed with homer. Kirkland tossed 4.0 innings, his 2nd straight outing of at least 3.0 innings. OF Denny Almonte has hit safely in 25 of 29 games this season (.292) and ranks 2nd in the Midwest League with 8 home runs. OF Maximo Mendez ranks 2nd in the Midwest League with 14 stolen bases. RH Brett Lorin makes 7th start of season today and has thrown at least 5.0 innings in each start (34 K, 6 BB in 36.0 IP).
Today’s probable starter:
RH Brett Lorin (3-0, 1.00) vs. Beloit

Thanks to my clandestine Rainiers source, I've found out that catcher Adam Moore has been called up to Triple A Tacoma and will be in tonight's line-up in New Orleans tonight. Catcher Guillermo Quiroz was sent down to Double A West Tenn.

What does this mean for Jeff Clement, who homered in back to back games last night? Well, he's been bothered by achy left knee - the one he had surgically repaired - and he's going to DH for the time being until the knee gets healthy.

I'll post the minor league report later this afternoon after the game.

Sanchez Wins Midwest League Player of the Week
Clinton first baseman Kris Sanchez has been named the Midwest League's Offensive Player of the Week for the week ending May 9. Sanchez, who signed with the Mariners as a non-drafted free agent in 2007 out of the University of Hawai’i, was called up to the LumberKings from extended Spring Training last Tuesday. He hit .563 (9x16) during the week, including 3 home runs and 6 RBI. He has hit in all five games since joining the Lumberkings.

Yesterday’s Results, Standings, Winner/Loser/Save
at Tacoma 6, Colorado Springs 2 16-15, 3rd, -3.0 W-G. Hernandez (2-2)
West Tenn 4, at Tennessee 3 (13 innings) 11-17, 3rd, -4.5 W-A. Vavaro (1-0)/S-Vega (1)
High Desert (Off Day) 21-10, 1st, +4.0 - - -
Clinton (Off Day 18-11, 2nd, -0.5 - - -

AAA Tacoma Rainiers (Pacific Coast League)
Here's my game story from Monday's game where Prentice Redman hit two homers, also Jeff Clement's surgically repaired left knee is acting up a little.
BOX SCORE
Colorado Springs 2 runs, 8 hits, 1 error
Tacoma 6 runs, 10 hits, 2 errors
Pitching Lines:
RH Gaby Hernandez (W, 2-2) 5.1,4,2,2,1,5,HR
RH Jared Wells 1.2,1,0,0,0,2
RH Eric Hull 2.0,3,0,0,0,2
With the Bats:
RF Prentice Redman 3x4, 2 R, 2 HR, 2 RBI
SS Chris Woodward 3x3, 2 R
C Jamie Burke 2x4, 2B, 3 RBI
Rainiers Notes: The Rainiers continued their hot streak, winning their 3rd straight game and 5th over the last 6 days, with a 6-2 victory over the Colorado Springs Sky Sox. RF Prentice Redman went 3- for-4 with a pair of solo home runs to lead Tacoma at the plate. He gave the Rainiers a 1-0 lead in the first inning with a solo homer to right field and led off the 3rd with a solo shot to left field for his 2nd multi-homer game of the season. Starting pitcher Gaby Hernandez (2-2) earned the win allowing 4 hits and 2 runs in 5.1 innings. Over his last 2 starts, Hernandez is 2-0 with a 3.48 ERA (4 ER, 10.1 IP). Right-handers Jared Wells (1.2 IP) and Eric Hull (2.0 IP) closed out the win with scoreless relief efforts. SS Chris Woodward tied his season-high with 3 hits, extending his hitting streak to 3 games (.583/7x12). C Jamie Burke went 2-for-4 with 3 RBI, and is batting.462 (6x13) with 6 RBI in 4 games with the Rainiers.
Today’s probable starter:
RH Doug Fister (0-0, 3.65) at New Orleans

AA West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx (Southern League)
BOX SCORE
West Tenn 4 runs, 12 hits, 1 error
Tennessee 3 runs, 12 hits, 0 errors
Pitching Lines:
RH Steven Hensley 6.0,8,3,3,1,4
RH Steve Bray 2.0,1,0,0,0,1
LH Nick Hill 0.2,1,0,0,0,0
RH Anthony Varvaro (W, 1-0) 3.1,0,0,0,3,2
RH Marwin Vega (S, 1) 1.0,2,0,0,0,1
With the Bats:
LF Mel Stocker 2x4, 3B, HR, 2 R, RBI, BB
C Adam Moore 2x6, 2B, 2 RBI
Jaxx Notes: The Diamond Jaxx snapped a 5-game losing streak with a 4-3 win over the Tennessee Smokies in 13 innings. 3B Matt Mangini singled in the game-winner with 2 outs in the top of the 13th inning. RHP Anthony Varvaro (1-0) earned the win, throwing 3.1 innings of hitless and scoreless relief. The Diamond Jaxx bullpen combined for 7.0 shutout innings. LF Mel Stocker went 2-for-4 with a triple and home run and CF Ezequiel Carrera was 2-for-6 and has reached base in 26 of his last 27 games (.340, 34x100). Carrera currently ranks T8th in the Southern League batting race. Mangini has hit safely in 12 of his last 14, batting .352 (19x54) with 5 runs scored, 4 extra-base hits and 12 RBI. OF Greg Halman leads the Southern league in home runs (10) and RBI (28).
Today’s probable starter:
RH Kyle Parker (1-1, 5.40) at Tennessee

A High Desert Mavericks (California League)
Off Day
Mavericks Notes: The Mavericks took yesterday off and begin a three-game series against Rancho Cucamonga tonight. High Desert has not lost a series this season and leads the California League South Division by 4.0 games. SS Juan Diaz has recorded 4 consecutive multi-hit games and is riding a career-high 11-game hitting streak. OF Tyson Gillies currently has 13-game hit streak (.392/20x51). 3B Alex Liddi (.376/4th), Diaz (.373/5th) and OF Joe Dunigan(.371/T6th) are ranked in the top 10 in the California League in batting. Dunigan, the Mariners 5th round selection in 2007 out of the University of Oklahoma, leads the league in home runs (12), RBI (34) and slugging (.782). He leads all minor leaguers with 26 extra base hits. RH Phillippe Aumont is 0-1 with a 0.61 ERA (1 ER, 14.2 IP) in 14 relief appearances. The Mariners first-round draft pick in 2007 is 5-for-5 in save opportunities and is averaging 7.36 K/9.0 IP. The Mavs lead the league batting .312 overall with a league-best 48 home runs.
Today’s probable starter:
RH Juan Ramirez (2-1, 4.55) at Rancho Cucamonga

A Clinton LumberKings (Midwest League)
Off Day
Lumberkings Notes: The LumberKings took a much-needed off day yesterday after playing into extra innings in 3 of their last 4 games. Clinton opens a four-game series vs. Beloit tonight at Alliant Energy Field. OF Denny Almonte has hit safely in 23 of 27 games this season (.295) and ranks 2nd in the Midwest League with 7 home runs. OF Maximo Mendez leads the league and T10th among all minor leaguers with 14 stolen bases. RH Brett Lorin, Thursday’s scheduled starter, is 3-0 with a 1.00 ERA (4 ER, 36.0 IP) in 6 starts.
Today’s probable starter:
RH Kenn Kasparek (1-2, 4.87) vs. Beloit

AAA Tacoma Rainiers (PCL)
Here's Mike Curto's game story
BOX SCORE
Tacoma 8 runs, 9 hits, 1 error
Salt Lake 6 runs, 12 hits, 1 error
Pitching Lines:
RH Gaby Hernandez (W, 1-2) 5.0,4,2,2,1,5
RH Jared Wells 1.1,3,2,2,0,1
LH Justin Thomas 1.1,4,2,2,2,3
RH Randy Messenger 1.1,1,0,0,0,0
With the Bats:
2B Callix Crabbe 2x5, R, 2 2B, 2 RBI
CF Jerry Owens 2x4, R, RBI, 2 SB, BB
LF Bryan LaHair (pictured)2x3, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI, 2 BB
3B Chris Shelton 1x2, R, RBI, HP, BB
RF Prentice Redman 1x5, R, 3B, RBI

Of Note: Callix Crabbe hit a tying, 2-run double before scoring the go-ahead run on Jerry Owens' single in the 5th inning, and Tacoma went on to beat Salt Lake 8-6 on Wednesday night. It was the fourth win for the Rainiers in their past 19 games at Salt Lake. The Rainiers lead in the PCL in team home runs (33), including 17 home runs on the road (in 15 games) and 10 versus the Bees (in 7 games). The Rainiers pitching staff currently ranks 2nd in the PCL in strikeouts (188). The Fresno Grizzlies lead the league in struck out batters (199).

Today’s probable starter:
RH Doug Fister (0-0, 2.08 ERA) at Salt Lake

AA West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx (Southern League)
Huntsville RAINED OUT
West Tennessee
Of Note: The Diamond Jaxx and Stars game at 11:05 TODAY has been postponed due to rain and a scheduled double-header is set for Thursday, beginning at 5:05. Greg Halman has knocked in 22 RBI in his last 13 games. During this stretch he is batting .313 (15x48) with 13 runs scored, 3 doubles, 8 home runs and 23 RBI. Halman currently leads the Southern League in home runs (10) and RBI (28). Ezequiel Carrera extended his on-base streak to 23 games. He is currently batting .357 (30x84) with 24 runs scored, 3 doubles, 2 triples, 14 RBI and 6 stolen bases.
Today’s probable starter:
Game 1: LH Daniel Christensen (0-1, 18.00 ) vs. Huntsville
Game 2: TBA vs. Huntsville

A High Desert (California League)
BOX SCORE
Game story from Victorville Daily Press
Inland Empire 10 runs, 18 hits, 0 errors
High Desert 12 runs, 19 hits, 0 errors
Pitching Lines:
RH Juan Ramirez 3.1,8,7,7,2,4,4HR,2WP
LH Edward Paredes 1.2,3,2,2,2,1,HR
RH Juan Zapata 2.0,2,0,0,0,0
RH Travis Mortimore 3.0,4,1,1,1,3
RH Steven Richard (W, 2-0) 1.0,1,0,0,0,1
With the Bats:
LF/1B Joe Dunigan 4x7, 3 R, 3 HR, 7 RBI
CF Tyson Gillies 3x6, R, 2B, HR, RBI, BB
RF/LF Kuo Hui Lo 3x6, R
2B Edilio Colina 2x6, 2 R, BB
1B Ian Bladergroen 2x4, R
DH Carlos Peguero 1x6, R, HR 3 RBI

Of Note: Joe Dunigan (left) slugged 3 home runs, including a 2- run shot in the bottom of the 11th that propelled the Mavs to a 12-10 win Wednesday night over Inland Empire. It was the 5th time this season Dunigan had a multi-homer game, but the 1st time he hit 3 in a game. He now has a total of 7 home runs in 5 games against the 66ers. Dunigan finished with 4 hits and a career-high 7 RBI on the night. He hit a 2-run homer in the 1st, a 3-run shot in the 7th before the walk-off shot in the 11th. He has hit safely in 15 of his last 17 games, batting .413 (31x75) with 20 runs scored, 7 doubles, 10 home runs and 23 RBI. Tyson Gillies currently has a 9-game hit streak, batting .343 (12x35) with 9 runs scored, 5 extra-base hits and 5 RBI.
Today’s probable starter:
LH Donnie Hume (2-0, 4.15 ERA) vs. Inland Empire

A Clinton LumberKings (Midwest Lg.)
BOX SCORE
Clinton 5 runs, 5 hits, 3 errors
Dayton 7 runs, 11 hits, 3 errors
Pitching Lines:
RH Kenn Kasparek 3.0,5,3,2,1,5,HB
LH Bobby LaFromboise 3.1,3,1,1,2,4
RH Chris Kirkland (L,0-1) 0.0,2,3,3,2,0
RH Chyne Hann 0.2,1,0,0,1,0
RH Greg Moviel 1.0,0,0,0,2,0
With the Bats:
PH/1B Kris Sanchez 3x3, R, 2B, HR, RBI
LF/RF Denny Almonte 1x4, R, HR, 2 RBI, BB
DH Scott Savastano 1x2, R, HR, RBI, HP, 2 BB
Of Note: Right after Clinton had taken a 5-3 lead on the strength of Kris Sanchez's solo home run and Maximo Mendez's trip around the bases (walk, steal, 2 errors), the bullpen suffered a 4-walk, 4-run meltdown as Dayton got away with a 7-5 victory on Wednesday night. Denny Almonte currently has an 8-game hit streak, batting .344 (11x32) with 67 runs scored, 2 doubles, 2 triples, 5 home runs and 10 RBI. He has also hit safely in 21 of 24 games this season, batting .308 (28x91). Scott Savastano has hit safely in 17 of 22 games this season, batting .329 (26x79) with 16 runs scored, 7 extra-base hits and 13 RBI. Juan Diaz currently went 0x4 in the game ending his hit streak at 6 games. During the streak he hit .391 (9x23). He has now hit safely in 18 of 21 games this season, batting .337 (28x83) with 17 runs scored, 7 extra-base hits and 8 RBI.
Today’s probable starter:
RH Walter Suriel (0-2, 5.54 ERA) at Dayton

Here's the daily minor league report from Kelly Munro of the M's. Also you can check out Jay Yencich's weekly report from the USS Mariner.

AAA Tacoma Rainiers (PCL)
Here's Mike Curto's game story from the paper. Luis Munoz got rocked in his Rainiers' debut.
Fresno 11 runs, 17 hits, 0 errors
Tacoma 6 runs, 8 hits, 1 error
Box score
Pitching Lines:
RH Luis Muñoz (L, 0-1) 3.2,10,9,9,2,3,5HR
RH Doug Fister 2.1,2,0,0,0,2
RH Brodie Downs 1.0,2,1,1,0,1,WP
RH Jared Wells 1.0,2,1,1,0,0
RH Jesus Delgado 1.0,1,0,0,0,3
With the Bats:
CF Mike Saunders (right) 3x3, 2 R, 2B, HR, 3 RBI, 2 BB
RF Prentice Redman 2x4, 2 R, BB
3B Mike Morse 1x4, 2 RBI
PH/SS Erick Monzon 1x4
2B Callix Crabbe 1x3, 2 R, BB
Of Note: In the final game of the series, Tacoma lost to Fresno 11-6 on Sunday. Fresno jumped on Tacoma starter Luis Muñoz when Kevin Frandsen, Adam Witter and Jesus Guzman hit back-to-back-to-back homers in the first inning. Eight of the 10 hits Muñoz allowed went for extra bases. Mike Carp went 0x3 yesterday, ending his hitting streak at 7 games. During the streak he hit .448 (13x29) with 9 runs scored, 5 extra-base hits and 6 RBI during his current 7 game hit streak. Prentice Redman has hit safely 18 of 21 games this season with an at-bat, batting .345 (30x87) with 22 runs scored, 5 doubles, 7 home runs and 13 RBI. Since returning from the DL, Mike Saunders has hit safely in 2 of 3 games, batting .364 (4x11) with 3 runs scored, 1 double, 2 home runs and 6 RBI. Tacoma shortstop Chris Woodward left the game after being hit in the chest by a Billy Sadler pitch in the bottom of the second inning.
Today’s probable starter:
RH Andy Baldwin (2-1, 1.66 ERA) at Salt Lake

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AAA Tacoma Rainiers (PCL)
Fresno RAINED OUT
Tacoma
Of Note: Last night’s PCL game between Tacoma and Fresno was post. The game will be made up as part of a double header in Tacoma on Sunday, August 2nd. Both games on the 2nd will be 7 inning games. Today’s game between Tacoma and Fresno will be played as scheduled. Mike Carp is hitting .448 (13x29) with 9 runs scored, 5 extra-base hits and 6 RBI during his current 7-game hit streak. Prentice Redman has hit safely 18 of 21 games this season, batting .337 (28x83) with 20 runs scored, 5 doubles, 7 home runs and 13 RBI.
Today’s probable starter:
RH Luis Munoz (1-1, 3.74 ERA w/West Tenn) vs. Fresno

AA West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx (Southern League)
West Tennessee 14 runs, 15 hits, 0 errors
Birmingham 4 runs, 7 hits, 2 errors
BOX SCORE
Pitching Lines:
RH Justin Souza (W, 1-1) 5.0,1,1,1,1,4,HR
RH Aaron Cotter 2.0,6,3,3,0,1
LH Nick Hill 2.0,0,0,0,0,3
With the Bats:
LF Greg Halman (right) 3x5, 2 R, 2B, HR, 3 RBI, BB
2B Mel Stocker 3x6, R, RBI
1B Marshall Hubbard 2x5, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB
3B Matt Mangini 2x4, R, 2 RBI, BB
CF Ezequiel Carrara 1x5, 2 R, 2B, 3 RBI, BB
DH Javier Brito 1x3, R, 2B, 3 RBI, 2 BB
Of Note: The Diamond Jaxx brought the lumber on Saturday in Birmingham. West Tenn took game 3 of the series, after dropping the first 2 to the Barons 14-4. The Jaxx sent 15 batters to the plate in the top of the 6th and scored 10 runs, their largest output of the year and leading 14-1 after 6 innings. Every Jaxx start would get a hit in the game and 4 Jaxx collected multi-hit games. Five Jaxx collected multi-RBI games. Greg Halman picked up his 9th homer of the year in the first now has a league leading 27 runs batted in. He has knocked in 21 RBI in his last 11 games. During this stretch he has hit .302 (13x43) with 10 runs scored, 2 doubles, 7 home runs and 21 RBI. Ezequiel Carrera extended his on-base streak to 21 games. He is currently batting .359 (28x78) with 23 runs scored, 3 doubles, 2 triples, 12 RBI and 5 stolen bases. Justin Souza allowed an earned run in the 2nd inning, ending his streak at 15.0 inning. After allowing 3 runs in his first appearance of the season, Souza has allowed only 1 earned run in his last 19.0 inning, lowering his ERA from 27.00 to 1.80 ERA.
Today’s probable starter:
RH Steven Hensley (4-0, 0.00 w/Clinton) at Birmingham

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