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Sacramento River Cats

Sac Folds Late in 5-4 Defeat by Aces

July 30, 2016 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Sacramento River Cats News Release


Reno, NV - Down two games to one in the series coming into tonight, the Sacramento River Cats (47-60) knew the pressure was on if they wanted to salvage a series split and prevent their first series loss since the All-Star break. The Reno Aces (59-47) did not capitulate however, as in their 5-4 loss to Reno, the River Cats' four-run first inning was all they could muster despite starter Joan Gregorio's fine form.

Sacramento's bats came out hot in the Reno heat tonight as the first three hitters all reached safely setting up bases loaded and no outs for catcher Andrew Susac. The Roseville-native took advantage of the situation, smacking a two-run double, his 35th and 36th of the year. One batter later, left fielder Austin Slater got in on the action, singling through the hole at second base to score first baseman Ryan Lollis and Susac, bringing the lead to 4-0. That would be all she wrote for the River Cats offense however, as Aces' starter Shelby Miller retired the next 17 Sacramento hitters until shortstop Kelby Tomlinson's sixth-inning walk.

On the hill for the River Cats was right-hander Gregorio who, despite the offensive futility after the first frame, did his best to make the four runs all his team needed. The 24-year-old gave up three runs on eight hits across his five innings tonight without allowing a free pass. He also set a season-high with 10 strikeouts, one shy of his career-high. All three runs allowed tonight came with two outs. Reno hitters went just 3-for-10 against Gregorio with runners in scoring position, just enough to outdo Sacramento.

The bullpen came back to bite the River Cats for the second game this series as the trouble started when reliever Jake Dunning took over in the sixth. Dunning, who has yet to give up an earned run at Raley Field, continued his struggles away from the friendly confines, giving up the two decisive runs. In the four game series, the Sacramento bullpen allowed 10 earned runs in their 11 innings pitched.

Groundouts continued to plague the River Cats as they grounded into 15 of them a night after hitting into 14 last night. Tomlinson not only broke up the drought of Sacramento runners to reach base but also extended his hitting streak to nine games. After hitting just .150 in his first 12 games with Sacramento, Tomlinson has now brought his average up to .299 and is hitting .459 (17-for-37) during his streak.

Sacramento will now head home to open a four game series against the Salt Lake Bees starting tomorrow. The River Cats will send their ace to the hill in left-hander Ty Blach (11-5, 3.57) who will be seeking his sixth consecutive victory and a PCL-best 12th win. On the bump for the Bees will be right-hander Kyle McGowin (4-8, 5.94) who is making his 16th start this year and first against Sacramento. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. (PT) and the game can be heard live online at rivercats.com.

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