PCL1 Sacramento River Cats

Cats Drop Back-And-Forth Contest 3-2

Published on July 12, 2013 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Sacramento River Cats News Release


WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Cats infielder Hiroyuki Nakajima extended his hit streak to eight games, fueling the Cats offense with a two RBI double in a 3-2 loss to the Fresno Grizzlies at Raley Field on Thursday night.

Jeff Francouer got the Grizzlies going early with an RBI ground out to second base in the first inning, after a Juan Perez triple put the right fielder in scoring position. Fresno continued to chip away in the third inning, when an RBI single by Roger Kieschnick allowed Perez to reach home for his second run of the game. Nakajima tied the game for the Cats in the fourth inning, hitting his 10th double of the season to drive in Michael Choice and Daric Barton.

Both teams would remain scoreless until the ninth inning when a Perez grounder to third baseman Scott Moore squirted out of the infielder's glove for an infield single and an Ehire Adrianza run. The comeback would fall short in the home half of the ninth inning, when a fly out to center field by Choice stranded infielder Jemile Weeks to end the game.

Runzler picked up his third win of the season for the Grizzlies, pitching a scoreless eighth inning to set up the victory. Left-handed reliever Pedro Figueroa took the loss for Sacramento, after a run he left on base in the ninth inning scored. A scoreless ninth inning allowed Heath Hembree to pick up his 18th save in 22nd opportunity for Fresno.

Sacramento starter Bruce Billings continued his strong string of starts, giving up two runs on five hits and three walks while striking out four. The right-hander has surrendered two runs or less in eight of his last 10 starts. Nakajima continued to stay hot for the Cats with another quality night at the plate. The second baseman finished the night going 1-for-3 with 2 RBI. He has excelled when facing Fresno pitching, going 7-for-18 with three RBI in four games against the Grizzlies.

The River Cats continue their four-game set with the Grizzlies at Raley Field on Fireworks Friday. Travis Banwart (5-5, 5.07 ERA) will take the hill for Sacramento, with right-hander Justin Fitzgerald (0-2, 7.36 ERA) on the mound for Fresno.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from July 12, 2013


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