Bullpen steps up, leads River Cats in 6-4 win

Las Vegas, NV - For the second consecutive game, the Sacramento River Cats (31-47) bullpen put in extra duty in Sunday afternoon's 6-4 win over the Las Vegas 51s (41-35), taking over in the third inning. Unlike last night's blowout, the 'pen kept the 51s quiet as the offense continued to rack up the hits.

After allowing a season-high 16 runs last night, the Sacramento pitching staff knew they would have to do their part in ending the River Cats four-game losing streak. Right-hander Chris Heston was on the hill today, coming in with six quality starts in his last seven and looking to end Sacramento's four-game losing streak against Las Vegas. After a seamless first inning, Heston was able to help his own cause in a three-run second inning, reaching safely on a fielding error that scored first baseman Juan Ciriaco. On his swing however, Heston appeared to have tweaked something in his side, leading to his removal.

The big second inning was highlighted by left fielder Travis Ishikawa, who mashed 51s starter Seth Lugo's 1-1 fastball over the left field fence for his first home run this season with Sacramento. The homer wasn't the only momentous occasion for a River Cats player that inning, as relief pitcher Jean Machi recorded his first career stolen base in place for Heston on the base paths.

From then on it was up to the bullpen to try and preserve the lead against the hottest hitting team in the Pacific Coast league this month (.313 batting average). Right-hander Austin Fleet was the first Sacramento reliever in the wake of Heston's departure, going 2.1 innings while allowing three runs on three hits. Jake Dunning followed suit, going a season-high 2.2 innings while allowing one run on two hits.

That would be all for the 51s though, as left-hander Steven Okert pitched two superb innings, striking out four Las Vegas hitters in a row to end his day. Fireballer Mike Broadway was able to close the game out, earning his fourth save and improving the River Cats record to a PCL best 7-2 in two-run games.

The River Cats used small ball in their 6-4 win over the 51s Sunday afternoon, racking up 14 singles. Leadoff man Gorkys Hernandez continues to make a case for his all-star candidacy, going 4-for-5. He is now 6-for-10 this series. The newest addition to the Sacramento roster, outfielder Robbie Garvey, has made in impression in his first two games. After going 2-for-2 today with a RBI, the Las Vegas native is now 3-for-3 with 3 RBI and a home run in his first two career Triple-A games.

Game three will feature River Cats win-leader Ty Blach (6-5, 4.67) in search of his sixth road win. On the mound for the Las Vegas 51s will be lefty Duane Below (4-5, 4.29), who has eight earned runs in 11 innings pitched against Sacramento this year. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. (PT) and the game can be heard live online at rivercats.com and on the air on ESPN 1320.

***

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.