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 Sacramento River Cats

River Cats Win Thriller, 7-5

August 22, 2013 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Sacramento River Cats News Release


COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Down to their final strike, trailing 5-4 in the ninth inning, the River Cats scored three times, taking the lead and ultimately beating the Colorado Springs Sky Sox by a score of 7-5 on Wednesday night at Security Service Field.

The Sky Sox scored first in the bottom of the third inning when Hernan Iribarren drove in Jose Gonzalez on a sacrifice fly to center field. The Cats moved ahead with a two-run fifth inning before Colorado Springs tied it back up with a run in the bottom half. After the Springs took the lead with two runs in the bottom of the sixth, Sacramento tied it up at four on a Michael Taylor two-run single.

The tie didn't last long, however, as Kent Matthes drilled a solo home run in the bottom of the eight, giving the Sky Sox a 5-4 lead going into the ninth inning. After retiring the first two batters, Sky Sox closer Logan Kensing had the River Cats down to their last strike with two on for Michael Choice, who doubled to right, plating two runs. Sacramento's seventh and final run crossed the plate when Taylor drove in Choice, giving the Cats its 7-5 win.

Taylor finished 3-for-5 with three RBI, while Choice went 2-for-4 with a run, two RBI and two doubles. The win was awarded to Evan Scribner, who gave up one run in 2.1 innings of relief on just one hit with two strikeouts. Brian Gordon notched his 19th save of the season, putting him one away from tying the franchise-season-high set by Jairo Garcia-now known as Santiago Casilla-who saved 20 games in 2005.

Kensing took a blown save and the loss, giving up three earned runs on two this and two walks in his one inning of work. Sacramento State graduate Tim Wheeler went 3-for-5 with an RBI, while Matthes' home run was his sixth of the season.

Game two of the series is set for 5:35 p.m. at Security Service Field when Arnold Leon (4-3, 4.07 ERA) takes on righty Armando Galarraga (0-2, 4.77 ERA) on Thursday evening. The game will be broadcast for free at Raley Field during Miller Lite Thirsty Thursday in the Solon Club, featuring $2 beer and $1 hot dogs.

The River Cats are back at Raley Field at 7:05 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 26, for their final home series of the regular season. They take on the Fresno Grizzlies for the Highway 99 Showdown in a four-game series that ends with Fan Appreciation Day on Aug. 29.


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