Cats Fall in Game One Pitcher's Duel, 1-0
Published on September 16, 2009 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Sacramento River Cats News Release
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Sacramento River Cats fell to the Memphis Redbirds in game one of the PCL Championship Series on Tuesday night at AutoZone Park in Memphis, 1-0.
Both teams' starting pitchers - Chris Gissell for the Cats and Jaime Garcia for Memphis - were tough, as neither team got on the scoreboard until David Freese's solo shot in the bottom of the 6th broke a scoreless tie and gave the Redbirds a 1-0 lead. The River Cats would threaten a couple times, but never capitalize on scoring opportunities in their first shutout loss of the postseason.
Gissell took the tough-luck loss, allowing just 1 run in 6 1/3 innings of work. Michael Benacka was effective in relief for the Cats, tossing 1 2/3 of shutout relief work to keep the team's hopes alive. But the River Cats offense just couldn't get going in the game, managing just 5 hits on the night, all singles.
The start of the game was delayed 90 minute delay due to threat of rain.
The Cats will look to even the series at one game apiece on Wednesday night in Memphis as Chad Reineke takes the mound for Sacramento to face Memphis' Adam Ottavino.
PCL Championship Series (Finals) and probable starters (with playoff statistics) - Redbirds lead series, 1-0
Game 1 at Memphis (9/15) - REDBIRDS 1, RIVER CATS 0
Game 2 at Memphis (9/16 - 5:05 p.m. PDT): RHP Chad Reineke (0-1, 5.43) vs. RHP Adam Ottavino (No Playoff Record)
Game 3 at Raley Field (9/18 - 7:05 p.m. PDT): RHP Jerome Williams (1-0, 1.29) vs. LHP Evan MacLane (1-0, 0.00)
Game 4* at Raley Field (9/19 - 7:05 p.m. PDT): RHP Shawn Chacon (1-0, 7.20) vs. RHP P.J. Walters (0-0, 1.93)
Game 5* at Raley Field (9/20 - 1:05 p.m. PDT): TBA vs. TBA
*if necessary
Next Game at Raley Field: Pacific Coast League Playoffs - Championship Round, Game 3
Friday, Sept. 18 - Memphis Redbirds at Sacramento River Cats, 7:05 p.m. (gates open at 6 p.m.) - Family Fun Friday ($1 ice cream and $1 hot dogs).
Pacific Coast League Stories from September 16, 2009
- 'Birds edge Cats in Game 2 - Memphis Redbirds
- Cats lose game two in Memphis, 3-2 - Sacramento River Cats
- Charities Are Big Winners Again in 2009 - Omaha Storm Chasers
- Redbirds blank River Cats - Memphis Redbirds
- Cats Fall in Game One Pitcher's Duel, 1-0 - Sacramento River Cats
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