Peavy Goes Seven Strong in Rehab Start

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. - San Francisco Giants right-hander Jake Peavy made his fourth rehab start for the River Cats tonight, throwing seven strong innings as he works his way back to the Giants' rotation. Despite the solid outing for the veteran right-hander, the River Cats were unable to generate much offense behind him as they dropped game two to the visiting Fresno Grizzlies 3-1.

Prior to tonight's start, Peavy had failed to reach the sixth inning in any of his previous three starts. He threw 83 pitches in his last start in El Paso, but only managed to go 4.1 innings. He increased both his innings and his pitch count tonight, as he cruised through seven on a rehab-high 95 pitches (64 strikes). Peavy retired the side in order in seventh before giving way to the River Cats bullpen for the eighth. He ended his night having given up 5 hits and allowing 3 earned runs while walking two and striking out 5.

Peavy allowed two runs in the first inning on a two-run double to Fresno's L.J. Hoes before settling in. He kept the Grizzlies off the board until the fifth when the speedy Tony Kemp hit a long shot that bounced off the wall in right-center field. The ball shot away from Brett Jackson and allowed Kemp to come all the way around for the inside-the-park home run. After the hit by Kemp, Peavy retired the final nine hitters he faced.

Despite Peavy's effort, Fresno's starter Asher Wojciechowski was better, holding the Sacramento offense to just 1 run on 5 hits over his seven innings of work. Wojciechowski only gave up one free pass and struck out 5 on his way to the win, his fifth of the season. He is undefeated through seven starts with Fresno. Tyson Perez pitched a scoreless ninth to record his fifth save.

For the second night in a row, the River Cats fell behind early and were unable to recover. Their only run came in the bottom of the fourth inning. After Adam Duvall doubled to right-center, Travis Ishikawa brought him home with a single to right.

Sacramento threatened in the sixth, putting runners on second and third with two outs, but Hector Sanchez struck out to end the inning.

The series finale is tomorrow night as the River Cats send Chris Stratton (0-0, 2.38) to the mound. The start will be Stratton's third with the River Cats and his first at Raley Field. Fresno will go for the sweep behind their southpaw Luis Cruz (3-2, 4.47). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.

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The Sacramento River Cats are the Triple-A affiliate of the 2014 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 2015 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.