PCL1 Sacramento River Cats

River Cats Slug Their Way Past 51s, 7-1

Published on July 15, 2012 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Sacramento River Cats News Release


West Sacramento, Calif. - Michael Taylor's first-inning, three-run home run helped the River Cats beat the Las Vegas 51s by a score of 7-1 before Sutter Health Postgame Fireworks on Saturday night at Raley Field.

Taylor's three-run shot in the first was all Sacramento would need to beat the 51s thanks to the one-run game thrown by the River Cats pitching staff. Starter Bruce Billings gave up just two hits and two walks while striking out seven in six shutout innings of work. Righty Arnold Leon had two scoreless inning of his own, while Merkin Valdez gave up one run in the top of the ninth, sealing the 7-1 victory.

With a three-run lead in the bottom of the fourth, Anthony Recker extended his team's advantage to four with a line-drive home run to left field. In the sixth, Jermaine Mitchell tripled-home Luke Hughes, then shortstop Eric Sogard cleared the bases with a two-run home run to right field on the very next pitch.

The River Cats carried a shutout into the top of the ninth inning, where Valdez allowed a leadoff home run to Travis Snider. The homer would be the 51s' only run and only extra-base hit.

Taylor finished 2-for-3 with three RBIs and a run scored. Mitchell and Recker each logged two hits, while Kila Ka'aihue went 0-for-2 with three walks. All seven of the River Cats' runs were driven in by either a home run or a triple.

With the win, Billings moves to 5-3 on the year with a 3.31 ERA. After giving up a leadoff walk to Anthony Gose in the third, Billings retired the next 12 batters in a row before being lifted to begin the seventh.

The River Cats try for their second win in a row on U.S. Bank Sunday Funday during Dinger's Birthday Bash. The game begins at 1:05 p.m. and will feature River Cats right-handed pitcher Brad Peacock (6-6, 7.12 ERA) facing 51s right-hander Scott Richmond (7-5, 5.66 ERA).

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Pacific Coast League Stories from July 15, 2012


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