Billings Stays Hot, Pitches Cats to Victory

June 2, 2013 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Sacramento River Cats News Release

TACOMA, Wash. - The Sacramento River Cats used a stellar start by Bruce Billings and four home runs to defeat the Tacoma Rainiers on Sunday afternoon at Cheney Stadium, 9-2.

The River Cats led just 3-1 entering the ninth inning, but used home runs by Grant Green and Shane Peterson to break the game open with a six-run frame. Sacramento batted around in the ninth, scoring all six runs against Tacoma reliever Jhonny Nuñez.

Billings (7-2) improved to 5-0 in his last five starts with a scoreless six-inning performance on Sunday, helping snap the River Cats' short three-game losing streak. He struck out a season-high-tying eight batters while walking just one, holding the league's best team to just three hits. Billings' seventh victory ties him for the league lead in that category.

Dan Otero recorded the game's final four outs-including a bases-loaded strikeout in the eighth with the Cats leading just 3-1-to earn his 13th save in as many chances.

Green, Peterson, Michael Choice and Hiro Nakajima all homered for Sacramento. Choice's home run was his team-leading 10th of the year, while Green homered for the first time since April 29 at Fresno.

Erasmo Ramirez (0-1) suffered the defeat in his first Triple-A start of the season, giving up two earned runs in 5.2 innings of work.

The River Cats and Rainiers square off again Monday night from Cheney Stadium, with Sacramento southpaw Justin Thomas (3-3, 4.34 ERA) set to pitch against Tacoma RHP Brandon Maurer (0-0, No ERA).

The River Cats return home Friday, June 14, for a four-game set against Tacoma, featuring a pair of fireworks shows and the annual Father's Day Baseball and BBQ event at Raley Field, set for Sunday, June 16.

***

River Cats Season Tickets, Mini-Plans, Flex Plans and group outings are on sale now, and can be purchased by calling the River Cats Ticket Hotline at (916) 371-HITS (4487). Individual game tickets, starting at just $8, are available now at ticketmaster.com and at Raley Field's Round Table Pizza Ticket Office. For more information about the River Cats, visit www.rivercats.com. For information on other events at Raley Field, visit www.raleyfield.com.

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

Pacific Coast League Stories from June 2, 2013

• Isotopes Top OKC in Game Two - Albuquerque Isotopes
• Lindblom, Express Edge Sounds 3-2 - Round Rock Express
• Isotopes to Reach 6-Millionth Fan Milestone Tomorrow Night - Albuquerque Isotopes
• Palmer Pitches Albuquerque Past RedHawks - Oklahoma City Comets
• Hembree Blows Save in Grizzlies' Extra-Inning Loss to Las Vegas - Fresno Grizzlies
• Two Sluggers Advance to Second Round of High School Home Run Derby - Reno Aces
• Rainiers Shut Down By Sacramento, 6-1 - Tacoma Rainiers
• Storm Chasers Shut Down, Swept in Twin Bill - Omaha Storm Chasers
• Tucson Bats Hot from the Start in Win over Reno - Tucson Padres
• Memphis Sweeps Twin Bill on Back-To-Back Shutouts - Memphis Redbirds
• Billings Stays Hot, Pitches Cats to Victory - Sacramento River Cats
• Aces Downed by Padres, 13-5 - Reno Aces
• Zephyrs Take Down Iowa Cubs, Win Third Consecutive - New Orleans Baby Cakes
• Magill Recalled by Dodgers, Guerra Returns to Isotopes - Albuquerque Isotopes
• RedHawks Game Notes: June 2, 2013 - Oklahoma City Comets
• Padres Down Reno in 10 Innings - Tucson Padres
• Aces Fall in Extras, 8-6 - Reno Aces
• Pitching Duel Goes against Grizzlies in 2-1 Loss - Fresno Grizzlies
• RedHawks Rally in Ninth for 13-10 Win - Oklahoma City Comets

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

• Second Half Promotional Schedule Announced by River Cats
• Whisenhunt Carves Way to PCL Pitcher of the Week Honor
• Sacramento River Cats Unveil Gold Diggers Alternate Identity
• Carson Seymour Tabbed PCL Pitcher of the Week
• Brett Auerbach Named PCL Player of the Week