River Cats Win PCL Title
September 13, 2003 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Sacramento River Cats News Release
The Sacramento River Cats (3-0) beat the Nashville Sounds (0-3) 8-1 on Friday at Raley Field, completing an undefeated postseason and clinching the PCL's Championship Series. Following the game, 3B Luis Lopez was named the league's "Postseason Most Valuable Player" for his efforts during the playoffs.
RF Mike Lockwood broke a 2-2 tie with a two-run home run off RHP Matt Guerrier in the fourth inning. Lopez, who reached base on an error, scored on Lockwood's blast.
The Cats built on their lead, scoring three runs in the sixth inning. Lopez knocked in the first run of the inning when he doubled home 1B Graham Koonce. Two batters later, C Mark Johnson knocked in DH Jason Grabowski. Sacramento extended its lead to 6-1 when SS Jose Flores hit a sacrifice fly to center, scoring Lopez. The River Cats added runs in the seventh and eighth innings.
2B Esteban German scored the game's first run in the first inning, when Grabowski knocked him home with a single to right field. The Sounds answered with a run in the second when 2B Tomas de la Rosa doubled to left, scoring 1B Jorge Toca.
LHP Ed Yarnall (1-0) earned the win, holding the Sounds to just 1 ER on 4 H in 6.0 IP. Guerrier (1-1) took the loss for Nashville, allowing 6 R (4 ER) on 7 H in 5.0 IP.
Lopez became the first River Cats player to win the PCL's "Postseason Most Valuable Player" award. In six postseason games, he batted .346 (9-26) with 3 HR and 14 RBI. He went 2-for-4 with 2 R and 1 RBI on Friday and led Sacramento to victories in the first two games of the PCL Championship Series with a three-run homer and a grand slam, respectively.
This season marked the third-ever PCL championship for the city of Sacramento. The Sacramento Solons won back-to-back league titles in 1938-39.
The River Cats will defend their PCL crown beginning in April 2004. Season tickets for the 2004 season are available by calling (916)371-HITS.
Pacific Coast League Stories from September 13, 2003
- Sledge, Hinckley named Expos Minor League Player and Pitcher of the Year - Edmonton Trappers
- River Cats Win PCL Title - Sacramento River Cats
- Season Ends With 8-1 Loss, Sacramento Clinches 2003 PCL Title - Nashville Sounds
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