
McCarthy breaks out of slump to help River Cats even series
Published on September 6, 2019 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Sacramento River Cats News Release
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The Sacramento River Cats bounced back from their game-one loss to defeat the Las Vegas Aviators 8-6 on Thursday night to send a deadlocked series to Las Vegas.
Outfielder Joe McCarthy, who entered tonight's ballgame with 16 strikeouts to just one hit in his last 30 plate appearances, laced three hits including a two-run double in the bottom of the third. The club's five-run inning looked worthy of holding until the Aviators plated five runs of their own in the fifth and sixth innings.
But the River Cats would immediately take back the lead as infielders Zach Houchins and Abiatal Avelino each knocked in a run with singles in the bottom half of the sixth. Relievers Dan Winkler and Williams Jerez teamed up to fend off the Aviators in the final three innings, with Jerez securing a four-out save.
As the series shifts to Las Vegas, right-hander Brandon Lawson will be making his River Cats debut as he takes the ball for game three. The Aviators will go with Oakland Athletics No. 1-ranked prospect, left-hander Jesus Luzardo. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. (PT). Listen to all of the action live online at rivercats.com, on the MiLB First Pitch app, and on Money 105.5 FM.
Additional Notes
In the PCL American Conference Semi-Final, the Round Rock Express won 4-3 in 10 innings to put Iowa on the brink of elimination, though the series now moves to Des Moines for potentially three additional games.
Newcomers Jacob Heyward and Zach Houchins have been a nice boost for the River Cats offense since being transferred from Double-A Richmond. Heyward, younger brother of Cubs outfielder Jason Heyward, has reached base in all four games made up of three hits and five walks. Houchins homered and went 2-for-4 in his River Cats debut and logged another pair of hits tonight while driving two runs.
***
The Sacramento River Cats are the Triple-A affiliate of the three-time World Champion -San Francisco Giants. The team plays at Raley Field in West Sacramento, consistently voted one of the top ballparks in America. Season Tickets, Mini-Plans, and Flex Plans can be purchased for the River Cats' 20th season by calling the River Cats Ticket Hotline at (916) 371-HITS (4487). The only place to guarantee official River Cats tickets is at www.rivercats.com. For information on other events at Raley Field, visit www.raleyfield.com.
Pacific Coast League Stories from September 6, 2019
- Sorting out Bittersweet Memories - San Antonio Missions
- Aviators' Rally Falls Short in 8-6 Loss to River Cats - Las Vegas Aviators
- McCarthy breaks out of slump to help River Cats even series - Sacramento River Cats
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
- Sacramento River Cats President and COO Chip Maxson Named 2025 MiLB Executive of the Year
- 2025 End of Season Notes
- Whisenhunt Named PCL Pitcher of the Year, PCL All-Star Along with Seymour
- River Cats Announce Final Homestand Highlights, 2026 Exhibition Game
- Wisely Wins Player of Week Honor from PCL

