River Cats launch three homers, Grizzlies storm back late

August 23, 2018 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Sacramento River Cats News Release

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA - Wednesday's sudden power surge would be all for naught, as the Sacramento River Cats (50-78) allowed six runs in the ninth to the Fresno Grizzlies (74-54), eventually dropping game two 10-8 in stunning fashion.

Gregor Blanco jumpstarted the recently sluggish Sacramento offense with a two-run homer in the second inning. In the third, outfielder Chris Shaw crushed his 23rd home run of the year to give the River Cats a 5-3 lead. Miguel Gomez added the third Sacramento home run in the fifth, extending the lead to 7-3.

River Cats starter Jordan Johnson allowed three runs on five hits with four walks and three strikeouts, and left the game after five frames with the lead. Tyler Rogers took over and retired six of the seven batters that he faced.

However, the River Cats would spoil an 8-4 ninth inning lead as the Grizzlies charged back with six runs in the final frame. The first nine men reached base in the ninth for Fresno, including the biggest hit of the game - a grand slam from right fielder Kyle Tucker.

The River Cats will wrap up this three-game series with Fresno as right-hander Tyler Herb (1-7, 5.13) takes the mound for Sacramento on Thursday. The Grizzlies will counter with fellow righty Brady Rodgers (1-3, 7.71). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. (PT). Catch all of the action live online at rivercats.com, on the MiLB First Pitch app, and on the air on Money 105.FM.

Additional Notes

- Blanco's second-inning homer was just his third with the River Cats and his first since July 4. Blanco hit one home run in 42 games with San Francisco this season.

- Brock Stassi continued to rake, going 2-for-3 with two doubles and two runs scored. He now has four multi-hit games in ten games played with Sacramento.

***

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. River Cats Season Tickets, Mini-Plans, and Flex Plans can be purchased for the 2018 season by calling the River Cats Ticket Hotline at (916) 371-HITS (4487). 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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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.

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