Norris' Big Day Not Enough as Cats Lose, 10-9

September 1, 2013 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Sacramento River Cats News Release

TACOMA, Wash. - Oakland Athletics catcher Derek Norris-making his second rehab appearance with the River Cats-went 3-for-5 with a home run, two runs scored, and three RBI, but the River Cats fell to the Tacoma Rainiers by a score of 10-9 on Sunday afternoon at Cheney Stadium.

The River Cats and Rainiers exchanged the lead five times in this contest, beginning with Tacoma's two-run first inning that was highlighted by back-to-back home runs from Xavier Avery and Ty Kelly to lead off the frame. Michael Taylor tied the game at two in the top of the fourth with a two-run bomb to left field, scoring Norris.

After a three-run Rainiers fourth, the River Cats retook the lead in the top of the fifth with four runs on a solo home run from Ryan Ortiz, an RBI-single from Anthony Aliotti, and a two-run home from Norris. After scoring twice more in the seventh, and one final time in the eighth, the River Cats allowed five Rainiers to cross the plate, losing 10-9.

Jake Goebbert went 2-for-4 with a run, two RBI and a home run, while Dusty Coleman collected his first River Cats hit-a double. Taylor went 1-for-4 with a run and two RBI, while Hideki Okajima suffered the loss, giving up five earned runs on five hits in one inning of work. Starter Travis Banwart took a no-decision, giving up five earned runs on 10 hits and two walks with five strikeouts in five innings.

The win was awarded to Nick Hill, who gave up one run in one inning. Avery finished 5-for-5 for Tacoma, including a double, a home run and three singles, while Stefen Romero went 2-for-3 with two runs, five RBI and two home runs.

The 144th and final game on Sacramento's 2013 schedule is set for 1:35 p.m. on Monday afternoon at Cheney Stadium when righty Arnold Leon (4-3, 4.21 ERA) takes on Tacoma righty Andrew Carraway (6-7, 5.45 ERA).

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River Cats Season Tickets, Mini-Plans, Flex Plans and can now be renewed for the 2014 season by calling the River Cats Ticket Hotline at (916) 371-HITS (4487) or visiting www.rivercatshomegrown.com. For more information about the River Cats, visit www.rivercats.com . For information on other events at Raley Field, visit www.raleyfield.com .

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Pacific Coast League Stories from September 1, 2013

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