River Cats Lose to Express, 7-5

ROUND ROCK, Texas - Shane Peterson went 2-for-4 with three RBI and his fifth home run of the season, but the River Cats dropped game one to the Round Rock Express by a score of 7-5 on Tuesday night at Dell Diamond.

The River Cats jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first when Tyler Ladendorf plated Jake Elmore with a groundout to shortstop Josh Wilson. Round Rock tied the ballgame at one in the bottom of the second on back-to-back doubles from Wilson and Brett Nicholas. Peterson snapped the tie one frame later, however, swatting his fifth round-tripper of the year to straight-away center field on a 3-2 pitch, scoring Ladendorf and Andy Parrino.

After a scoreless fourth inning, the Express tied evened the score at four on a J.P. Arencibia two-run double, followed by a Jared Hoying run-scoring double. Round Rock took their first lead in the bottom of the sixth after Kensuke Tanaka plated Nicholas on a sacrifice fly, before former River Cats infielder Adam Rosales doubled-home Ryan Strausborger, putting the host team ahead 6-4. Each team scored an additional run in the seventh, but it wasn't enough, as the River Cats fell to the Express, 7-5.

Peterson paced the team offensively, while Jose Martinez finished 3-for-4, and Parrino went 2-for-4 with two runs, and RBI, a walk, and his fourth home run. Starter Zach Neal-rejoining Sacramento's roster after spending a month between Single-A Advanced Stockton and Double-A Midland-allowed nine hits, four earned runs and one walk with five strikeouts in five innings of work for a no-decision. The loss was charged to righty reliever Phil Humber, who gave up three earned on five hits in two innings.

The win was awarded to Daniel McCutchen, who gave up eight hits and four runs with two strikeouts in six innings pitched. Neftali Feliz picked up his third save, striking out one in one scoreless inning. Hoying finished 2-for-4 with a run, two RBI, a home run, and a double, while Nicholas went 3-for-4 with a run, an RBI, and two doubles.

The River Cats pitching staff combined to give up a franchise-record nine doubles. The previous high was eight and was set on Aug. 27, 2008 in Tacoma.

The two clubs return to Dell Diamond at 5:05 p.m. on Wednesday evening when River Cats righty Arnold Leon (6-2, 5.35 ERA) starts opposite Express right-hander Justin Germano (2-6, 4.14 ERA).

The River Cats return home on Thursday, June 26, for #SacLovesSports night at Raley Field as they take on the Las Vegas 51s at 7:05 p.m. in a game that will be broadcast nationally on CBS Sports Network.

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River Cats Season Tickets, Mini-Plans, and Flex Plans can be purchased for the 2014 season by calling the River Cats Ticket Hotline at (916) 371-HITS (4487). Single-game tickets can now be purchased at Raley Field's Round Table Pizza Ticket Office or online at rivercats.com or ticketmaster.com. For more information about the River Cats, visit www.rivercats.com. For information on other events at Raley Field, visit www.raleyfield.com.

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