Blanco's late RBI lifts River Cats over Grizzlies

FRESNO, CA - In a tight ballgame that featured many hits but few runs, the Sacramento River Cats (41-54) edged the Fresno Grizzlies (54-40) 4-3 thanks to an eighth inning double from designated hitter Grégor Blanco.

The River Cats scored in the first inning for the second straight day when a Mac Williamson sacrifice fly brought in Peter Bourjos for the first run of the game. Sacramento extended their lead to 3-0 in the third inning with a two-run double from a red-hot Ryder Jones.
River Cats starter Jordan Johnson tossed three shutout innings before allowing three runs in the fourth which tied the game at three. Sacramento's bullpen took over and would throw five shutout innings to keep the game close heading into the late stages. The River Cats' relievers now have a 10-inning scoreless streak which began with the ninth inning on Saturday against Salt Lake.
With two outs in the eighth, Grégor Blanco lined a double down the left-field line to give Sacramento a 4-3 lead. That hit would prove to be the game-winner, and the River Cats have now won seven of their ten games against the first place Grizzlies.
The River Cats are back in action tomorrow for game two of this series and left-hander Daniel Camarena (0-2, 7.27) will toe the rubber for Sacramento. Fresno will send righty Josh James (2-4, 3.40) to the hill. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. (PT). Catch all of the action live online at rivercats.com, on the MiLB First Pitch app, and on the air on Money 105.FM.
Additional Notes
· Entering tonight, Jordan Johnson struck out a season-high four batters in 3.2 innings pitched in his last start on July 8. Tonight he had five strikeouts in four innings. Johnson, however, has walked as many batters as he has struck out (11) in three starts with Sacramento.
· The first five batters in the lineup each recorded two hits on Monday, combined to score three runs, and accounted for all four of the River Cats' RBI on the evening.
· With his two excellent innings of relief, Tyler Beede earned his first win since June 1 against the El Paso Chihuahuas. Beede has made 13 appearances out of the bullpen since June 17.