Cats Win Third-Straight against Sky Sox, 6-1

May 4, 2012 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Sacramento River Cats News Release

West Sacramento, Calif. - Collin Cowgill hit 3-of-4 with two doubles, driving in two runs for the second game in a row and leading the River Cats to their third consecutive home win on Thursday night at Raley Field.

The Cats made use of extra-base hits from the start when Jermaine Mitchell led off the game with a triple, followed by back-to-back run-scoring doubles from Cowgill and Chris Carter. Cowgill's second RBI double was part of a two-run, three-hit fifth inning.

Colorado Springs went to its bullpen after just four innings. Four of Sacramento's first seven hits were doubles, scoring four runs in the first five innings. The River Cats continue to lead the Pacific Coast League in fewest runs allowed (106). Starting pitcher Bruce Billings worked seven shutout innings, allowing five hits, while striking out six and walking just one. His ERA dropped to 3.05 in his longest outing of the season. Fautino De Los Santos worked a scoreless eighth and Merkin Valdez finished strong, fanning two after giving up one run on three hits in the ninth.

Sky Sox starter Brandon Hynick struggled early on, giving up two doubles and a triple in the first inning. His night ended with four earned runs on six hits through 4.1 innings pitched. Three relievers combined to pitch the final four innings. Zach Putnam was tagged for two earned runs on two hits in the eighth.

Josh Donaldson went 2-for-3, extending his hitting streak to six games, and is now hitting .500 with Sacramento.

After a four-game road trip through Tucson, the River Cats return to Raley Field on May 8, for a Kids Eat Free Tuesday, presented by California Family Fitness. The contest is set for 7:05 p.m., and will kick off an eight-game home stand against the Omaha Storm Chasers and Iowa Cubs.

• Discuss this story on the Pacific Coast League message board...

Pacific Coast League Stories from May 4, 2012

• Albuquerque Silences Sounds, 8-1, in Opener - Nashville Sounds
• Fresno Rallies to Beat Sox in Series Opener - Colorado Springs Sky Sox
• Storm Chasers Top the RedHawks, 4-2, on Friday Night - Omaha Storm Chasers
• Storm Chasers Top the RedHawks, 4-2, on Friday Night - Omaha Storm Chasers
• Round Rock Express Top Memphis in Series Opener 8-1 - Round Rock Express
• Robinson, Verdugo Lead 4-2 Win Over RedHawks - Oklahoma City Baseball Club
• Cubs Win Wild Walk-Off in Pitchers Duel - Iowa Cubs
• Zephyrs Lose 1-0 in Iowa - New Orleans Baby Cakes
• A Trio of 'Topes to Attend New Mexico Children's Fair - Albuquerque Isotopes
• RedHawks Game Notes: May 4, 2012 - Oklahoma City Baseball Club
• LHP Scott Maine Returns to Iowa Cubs - Iowa Cubs
• Round Rock Express - Game Notes vs. Memphis Redbirds - Round Rock Express
• Rangers Acquire OF Ryan Spilborghs, Assign to Round Rock - Round Rock Express
• Isotopes Tie Franchise Hit Record in 15-5 Win over 'Hawks - Albuquerque Isotopes
• Rainiers hold on to win - Tucson Padres
• Cats Win Third-Straight against Sky Sox, 6-1 - Sacramento River Cats

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.

Other Recent Sacramento River Cats Stories

• Sacramento Winning Streak Stopped After Comeback Falls Short
• Complete Victory for Kitties Over Oklahoma City on Saturday
• River Cats Top Oklahoma City, 7-5
• Big Sixth Sparks Victory for Sacramento Over Oklahoma City
• Late Sacramento Surge Falls Just Short at Oklahoma City