Tacoma Bests River Cats in Record-Breaking Contest, 2-1
Published on July 19, 2012 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Sacramento River Cats News Release
TACOMA, Wash. - In the longest game in River Cats history, Tacoma's Scott Savastano pitched a perfect top of the 18th inning and then hit a walk-off home run in the bottom half of the frame, leading Tacoma to a 2-1 win Wednesday night at Cheney Stadium.
In a battle of highly touted pitching prospects, Sacramento's Dan Straily got the better of Tacoma's Danny Hultzen early, as Straily struck out eight and allowed just two hits in eight-plus innings. But with the Cats leading 1-0 in the ninth, the Rainiers plated a single run in the ninth to force extra innings and set the stage for Savastano's heroics.
After the teams traded zeros on the scoreboard from the 10th through the 17th innings, the Rainiers gave the ball to Savastano, who had entered the game at first base in the 13th inning. After retiring the River Cats in order in the top of the 18th, Savastano ended the proceedings with a solo shot against Sacramento's Shane Peterson, who regularly plays outfield.
The game was the longest in franchise history for Sacramento both in terms of innings (18) and time of game (5:32). The previous records had been 16 innings (four times) and 5:04, respectively.
Mitchell accounted for all of the River Cats offense, finishing 1-for-7 with a home run. Grant Green had three hits, while Collin Cowgill and Eric Sogard had two hits apiece. As a team, the Cats grounded into three double plays and left 14 men on base.
The Cats and Rainiers conclude the series Thursday, with RHP Bruce Billings (5-3, 3.31 ERA) scheduled to start against Tacoma RHP Hector Noesi (0-0, 13.50 ERA), with first pitch set for 7:05 p.m. PT. from Cheney Stadium.
The River Cats return to Raley Field on Friday for a Toyota Family Value Night, where the team will also be celebrating Peace, Love and Baseball. RHP Brad Peacock (7-6, 6.75 ERA) will get the start for Sacramento, as the team welcomes the Tucson Padres to town for a four-game homestand at Raley Field.
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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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