Díaz, Knapp Each Plate 3 as Walk-Off Single Downs River Cats
July 28, 2022 - Pacific Coast League (PCL)
Sacramento River Cats News Release
Round Rock, Texas - Two clutch three-run hits were not enough to finish off the comeback as the Sacramento River Cats (42-54) fell 7-6 in walk-off fashion to the Round Rock Express (51-45) on Thursday.
The River Cats originally led 3-0 in the first after a unique hit. With the bases loaded, a full count, and two outs, second baseman Isan Díaz lined a single to right field, which got away from the tumbling Steven Duggar, to allow three runs to score.
Down 4-3 with two out and two on in the eighth, catcher Andrew Knapp lined a 96.7 MPH fastball from righty Nick Snyder for a go-ahead three-run shot, his first homer since joining Sacramento. Knapp is 6-for-15 (.400) with three runs, five RBIs, and a 1.105 OPS through four games.
One inning was the only blemish on an otherwise stellar outing by Sacramento right-hander Raynel Espinal. The 30-year-old struck out six while allowing four runs, all in the fifth, in 5.0 innings.
Right-hander Patrick Ruotolo kept the River Cats within striking distance with 2.0 perfect innings of relief before a pinch-hit two-run home run by Josh Sale off righty Kyle Tyler knotted the game at six heading into the ninth.
With the bases loaded and no outs in the bottom of the ninth, designated hitter Steele Walker lined a walk-off single against righty Kervin Castro (0-4) for the 7-6 victory.
The River Cats will try for the rebound win on Friday. They will bullpen the game against Round Rock lefty Cole Ragans (2-2, 3.62) at 5:05 p.m. (PT). Listen to Johnny Doskow call the game online at rivercats.com or on the MiLB First Pitch app.
Additional Notes
Rehabbing catcher Curt Casali, who started at designated hitter on Thursday, went 0-for-2 with two strikeouts.
Left fielder Austin Dean extended his season-high hitting streak to nine, going 2-for-3 with two runs. The Spring, Texas native is 15-for-33 (.455) with six runs, three doubles, eight RBIs, and a 1.095 OPS since July 7.
Pacific Coast League Stories from July 28, 2022
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- Walker Walk-Off Gives Express 7-6 Win over River Cats - Round Rock Express
- Díaz, Knapp Each Plate 3 as Walk-Off Single Downs River Cats - Sacramento River Cats
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- OKC Dodgers Game Notes - July 28, 2022 - Oklahoma City Comets
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- Round Rock Falls to Sacramento 10-8 in Game Two - Round Rock Express
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