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Sacramento River Cats

Sacramento Comeback Falls Just Short Again

August 19, 2016 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Sacramento River Cats News Release


The Sacramento River Cats (58-68) lost their third consecutive game Thursday night, falling 4-3 to the Iowa Cubs (57-69). Sacramento starter Clayton Blackburn was roughed up early but persevered, inspiring the offense to do the same as they rallied, but ultimately were unable to complete the comeback.

Blackburn had a sluggish start to tonight's game, throwing five straight balls before serving up a two-run home run to Cubs shortstop Munenori Kawasaki, his first of the season. Two batters later, Jeimer Candelario also went deep, a solo shot, giving Iowa an early 3-0 lead.

The River Cats countered in their half of the first, scoring one. Centerfielder Gorkys Hernandez got things started with a leadoff walk before second baseman Kelby Tomlinson singled. Catcher Miguel Olivo was able to draw a free pass, loading the bases for left fielder Grant Green. Green got just enough of Cubs' starter Josh Collmenter's 1-1 pitch, earning an RBI with a sacrifice fly.

In the second, Blackburn once again found himself in trouble, allowing a leadoff triple. After a sacrifice fly by Kawasaki made it 4-1 Iowa, Blackburn settled in, not allowing another hit in the inning. For the night, he allowed just four more hits as he put up zeros in his final four frames. Overall, he tossed his six innings, allowing four runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out four. Iowa went 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position against him and he stranded six Cubbies on base. After a string of five consecutive quality starts, Sacramento starters now have a cumulative ERA of 6.89 over their last three outings (12 earned runs, 15.2 innings).

The offense rallied in the fourth inning, pushing two runs across on a big two-run double off the bat of Hernandez. Hernandez now has 50 RBI on the season, the most on the team, and is hitting .302. The leadoff man reached base three times tonight, drawing two walks in addition to his double. In his last five games, he has posted a .538 on-base percentage while hitting .438.

Those two runs would be it for Sacramento though, as they were held scoreless through the next five innings. The River Cats bullpen shined once again behind Blackburn, going three near-perfect innings. Tyler Rogers, Josh Osich, and Jean Machi combined to allow just one walk in three innings. Over their last six games, the River Cats bullpen has a 1.83 ERA.

The River Cats wrap up their second-to-last homestand tomorrow night in the fourth and final game against the Cubs. For Sacramento it will be right-hander Chris Stratton (10-5, 4.54) who is 4-1 with a 2.93 ERA at Raley Field this season. On the bump for Iowa will be their own right-hander in Drew Rucinski (6-12, 5.88). 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 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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