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Sacramento River Cats

New 'Cats in Town Help Gregorio Extend Sacramento's Win Streak

July 1, 2016 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Sacramento River Cats News Release


West Sacramento, CA - It was a tale of two teams Thursday night at Raley Field. The Sacramento River Cats (34-47) came in winners of three straight games while their opponent, the Albuquerque Isotopes (31-49), had dropped 12 in a row. With the 4-2 win, the River Cats won their fourth consecutive game for the second time this season, but did so with a new cast of characters.

Making his seventh home start and earning his first home win was right-hander Joan Gregorio. The lanky 24-year-old got off to a rocky start in the first inning, walking two 'Topes hitters in a row before allowing a sac fly, giving Albuquerque the early lead.

Gregorio didn't let the slow start deter him however, allowing just three hits while striking out seven in his final five frames. The 20th ranked prospect in the Giants organization, Gregorio threw 95 total pitches (60 for strikes) and held the Isotopes hitless (0-for-5) with runners in scoring position. He struck out eight total for the third time this season.

Behind him in the field were a number of new faces as the River Cats made a flurry of roster moves in the last 48 hours. Among them was left fielder Chris Denorfia, who made his first River Cats appearance since 2009. A 10-year MLB veteran, Denorfia also played with Sacramento in 2008 and 2009, hitting .280 over that span. Tonight, the 35-year-old finished with three walks.

Also making his River Cats debut was second baseman Ali Castillo, who went 2-for-4 with an RBI in his Sacramento debut. His partner up the middle, Rando Moreno, extended his hitting streak to six games tonight after going 1-for-3. The Dominican-native is hitting .375 (10-for-24) over that span and scored his 11th run in his 20th game this month.

Of the 10 hits racked up by Sacramento tonight, three came courtesy of catcher Andrew Susac. Susac, who hit clean up tonight, finished 3-for-4 on the night with two doubles and an RBI and has been locked in at the plate recently. Of his last six hits, four have gone for extra-bases.

In tonight's 4-2 win, the River Cats won their fourth-straight game for just the second time this season, the first since April 21-24. The 4-2 win also improved Sacramento's record in two-run games to a PCL-best 8-2.

The River Cats will look to win their fifth-straight game for the first time this year as they send right-hander Clayton Blackburn (5-5, 4.50) to the mound. The 23-year-old is 4-2 with a 2.96 ERA in eight starts at home. Opposing him will be 'Topes left-hander Kyle Freeland (0-1, 6.00). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. (PT) and the game can be heard live online at rivercats.com and on the air on ESPN 1320.

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The Sacramento River Cats are the Triple-A affiliate of the 2014 World Champion San Francisco Giants. The team plays at Raley Field in West Sacramento, consistently voted one of the top ballparks in America. River Cats Season Tickets, Mini-Plans, and Flex Plans can be purchased for the 2016 season by calling the River Cats Ticket Hotline at (916) 371-HITS (4487). For more information about the River Cats, visit www.rivercats.com. For information on other events at Raley Field, visit www.raleyfield.com.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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