River Cats Drop Series Opener in Round Rock, 6-5
Published on May 21, 2012 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Sacramento River Cats News Release
ROUND ROCK, Texas - Despite two Brandon Moss home runs and a four-run comeback, the Sacramento River Cats fell to the Round Rock Express in the series opener Monday night at The Dell Diamond, 6-5.
After Round Rock took an early 5-1 lead with a five-run second inning, Sacramento would claw back. Moss added a game-tying RBI single in the eighth to his two solo homers, but the Express rallied in the ninth for the victory.
Tommy Mendonca led off the home half of the ninth with a single to start the Express rally against Cats lefty Erick Threets (3-1). After a sacrifice bunt and a pop up, Solarte ended the festivities with a walk-off single to left, scoring Matt Cata, who had come on to run for Mendonca.
Bruce Billings started and took a no decision for the River Cats, keeping Round Rock off the board after the five-run second. Billings struck out six batters and scattered eight hits over 5.2 innings of work. After Rich Thompson and Neil Wagner kept the Express off the board for 2.1 innings, Threets came on in the ninth and suffered the defeat.
Tanner Scheppers (1-2) picked up the win in relief of Express starter Greg Reynolds, who surrendered three earned runs in six innings.
Offensively for the Cats, Moss finished 3-for-5 with three RBIs, while Brandon Hicks went 2-for-4 with a home run, his third long ball in his last five games. Manny Ramirez went 2-for-2 with a walk before being lifted for a pinch hitter in the seventh.
The two clubs square off again Tuesday, with Cats RHP Brad Peacock (5-1, 4.17 ERA) scheduled to pitch against Express LHP Michael Kirkman (2-1, 6.68 ERA). First pitch is set for 5:05 p.m. PT from The Dell Diamond.
The River Cats will return home on Friday, May 25 to play the Reno Aces, with Manny Ramirez expected to make his Raley Field debut that night. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m., and is a Toyota Family Value Friday, with $1 hot dogs and desserts for all fans.
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2012 River Cats Season Tickets, Mini-Plans, Flex Plans and group outings can be purchased by calling the River Cats Ticket Hotline at (916) 371-HITS (4487). Individual game tickets, starting at $8, are available online at ticketmaster.com and at Raley Field's Round Table Pizza Ticket Office. For more information about the 2012 River Cats season, visit www.rivercats.com. For information on other events at Raley Field, visit www.raleyfield.com.
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