One run short once again as 'Cats fall 4-3
NASHVILLE, TN - The Sacramento River Cats (16-27) fell 4-3 to the Nashville Sounds (23-19), marking their third one-run loss in a row. The River Cats were able to score three runs in an inning for the first time this series, but for the second time, outhit the Sounds in the losing effort.
Tonight's game marks the seventh-straight loss for the River Cats against the Sounds dating back to their four-game series last year in Sacramento. Of those seven losses, however, four have been decided by one run despite being outscored in total 34-15. In the three games so far this series, the Sacramento offense is 5-for-24 (.208) with runners in scoring position and have left five, six and seven runners on base in the last three games respectively.
The left-hander Ty Blach was on the hill tonight looking for his Pacific Coast League best sixth win. "The Preacher" came in tonight 3-1 in his last four starts with a 1.75 ERA in comparison to his 2-2, 5.95 ERA in his first four. The 2015 Gold Glove winner continued his streak of going at least five innings pitched for his fifth consecutive appearance and despite a rocky start, was able to settle down nicely.
Blach began the game by giving up two earned runs in the bottom of the first inning, his first time doing so since April 23rd in an 8-4 win over Tacoma. The southpaw would go on to retire eight straight before allowing an RBI triple in the fourth inning, a hit which could very well have been argued as an error by right fielder Jarrett Parker. Of the five hits surrendered, only three came after the two-run first inning.
The River Cats offense finally found its stride in the fifth inning, following eight ground balls to the first 15 batters to start. Centerfielder Gorkys Hernandez broke out of his 5-for-37 (.135) slump, acting as the catalyst knocking in catcher George Kottaras. Second baseman Ramiro Pena and Parker each notched an RBI as well, Parker with his team-leading 28th.
Tonight's loss leaves Sacramento 4-15 on the season when opponents score first and brings their record in the month of May to 7-13. It was a great start to the month for the River Cats, as they scored 47 runs on 74 hits in their first six games. The last 14 games have been a different story however, as the Sacramento offense has only managed to push across 42 runs on 106 hits.
The River Cats will look to exact some revenge in the last game of their road trip, sending right-hander Chris Stratton (4-4, 6.60) to the hill. He will square off against the Sounds' and former River Cats' righty Zach Neal (4-1, 2.70). First pitch is set for 11:05 a.m. (PT) and the game can be heard live online at rivercats.com and will air on ESPN 1320 at 8:30 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 2016 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.