Rainiers power past Aviators in Washington

Las Vegas Review-Journal

5 years ago

Las Vegas Aviators left fielder Mark Payton (16) scores a run against the Sacramento River Cats ... — Las Vegas Aviators left fielder Mark Payton (16) scores a run against the Sacramento River Cats during the seventh inning of the team’s home opener at the Las Vegas Ballpark in Downtown Summerlin in Las Vegas on Tuesday, April 9, 2019. (Chase Stevens/Las Vegas Review-Journal) @csstevensphoto

TACOMA, Wash. — Jose Lobaton socked a pair of three-run home runs, leading the Tacoma Rainiers to a 9-3 Pacific Coast League victory over the Aviators on Thursday night at Cheney Stadium.

Lobaton’s first blast highlighted a five-run third inning in which the Rainiers (48-50) snapped a scoreless tie.

Tim Lopes drove in a run with a double and another run scored on Ryan Court’s sacrifice fly before Lobaton’s homer.

Lobaton’s second blast in the seventh, his 12th home run, extended the Rainiers’ lead to 9-3.

Mark Payton continued his torrid stretch for the Aviators (56-42), hitting a three-run homer, his 17th, in the fifth.

Payton is 12-for-33 (.364) over his last 11 games with seven home runs and 15 RBIs.

The victory gave Tacoma a split in the four-game series.

The Aviators, 10-5 in July, start a three-game series Friday at Salt Lake.

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