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PCL1 Sacramento River Cats

Sac Comeback Bid Wasted in 10-5 Loss

September 4, 2016 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Sacramento River Cats News Release


After winning their last four games in a row, the Sacramento River Cats (69-73) had high hopes Saturday night of winning their fifth straight for only the second time this season. In their 10-5 loss to the Fresno Grizzlies (71-70) however, the River Cats comeback was all for naught as they saw their chances of finishing the season at .500 slip away.

Fresno got off to a hot start in front of a packed Raley Field crowd, smacking a double to leadoff the game and scoring a run in the first against Sacramento starter Chris Heston. Fresno struck again in the second, this time loading the bases with one out, but Heston was able to limit the damage with just one run allowed making it 2-0.

The River Cats responded in their half of the second, loading the bases themselves with one out. After shortstop Ruben Tejada struck out swinging, it was up to designated hitter Mitch Delfino who made his first start with the club since June 28. Delfino, who came into tonight's game hitting .071 against Fresno in four games this season, took Grizzlies starter Keegan Yuhl to a full count before driving a two-run single to right-centerfield to even the score.

The back and forth battle continued into the third frame as Fresno pushed two more runs across in the inning thanks in large part to Heston allowing three free passes. The right-hander toiled to get through three innings, throwing 76 pitches and allowing four runs on five hits - three of which went for extra bases. In his second rehab start with Sacramento, Heston went five innings and allowed five runs on seven hits while walking four and striking out four.

The River Cats hopes seemed bleak after their two-run second, but in the seventh, the offense came roaring back to life. Tejada got things started by lining a triple to the right field corner, his first three-bagger with Sacramento this season. Delfino once again showed his penchant for coming up clutch, driving in the shortstop for his third RBI of the game. Centerfielder Myles Schroder and catcher Miguel Olivo both knocked in a run apiece to follow, tying things up 5-5.

Ultimately, Fresno put the game away in the eighth inning, loading the bases against right-handed reliever Vin Mazzaro. Grizzlies right fielder Jon Kemmer took full advantage, emptying the bases with a grand slam, Fresno's second against Sacramento this season. The visiting side added one more to make it a five-run frame and a 10-5 lead.

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