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SALT LAKE CITY — Former Atlanta Braves star Dale Murphy was widely known as one of the premier hitters of his era, and was treated as such at Smith’s Ballpark Tuesday.
Apparently, Murphy’s hitting prowess diffused into the Tacoma Rainiers’ clubhouse, as the Rainiers scored nine runs in the first three innings, on their way to a 14-7 win over the Salt Lake Bees.
Murphy, who took part in the Mobil Super “Go the Distance” Baseball Tour in Utah Tuesday, was part of the first pitch ceremony and also signed autographs for fans.
His appearance helped take Bees’ fans’ minds off the game. Tacoma scored five runs in the first inning, keyed by Abraham Almonte’s leadoff home run. The Rainiers scored a run in the second inning and three more in the third inning. Tacoma catcher Jesus Montero and right fielder Stefan Romero hit solo home runs in the inning.
Salt Lake scored a single run in the first as third baseman Luis Jimenez hit his 14th home run of the season.
Tacoma scored another five runs in the fifth inning, but Salt Lake designated hitter Shawn O’Malley, who will represent the Bees in the Triple-A All-Star game in North Carolina next week, hit his first home run of the season in that inning. After that, the Bees scored three more runs as shortstop Tommy Field, catcher John Hester and second baseman Taylor Lindsey all scored, bringing the score to 14-5.
The Bees also scored two runs in the sixth inning.
Salt Lake starter Justin Thomas took the loss, surrendering eight earned runs in two-and-one-third innings. Tacoma’s Jordan Pries earned the win, despite giving up seven runs.
The Bees and Rainiers play the third game of their series Wednesday, with first pitch scheduled at 7:05 p.m. Salt Lake right hander Caleb Clay will start for the Bees, while Tacoma right hander Andrew Carraway will go for the Rainiers.
