Cats Claw Their Way To Third Straight Victory

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. – On the heels of a riveting win on Tuesday night, the Sacramento River Cats made it three straight victories on Wednesday at Sutter Health Park. Sacramento’s offense scored a handful of runs in the bottom of the fifth and saw the pitching staff hold the Sugar Land Space Cowboys’ offense hitless over the final four innings as Sacramento went on to a 5-2 win.

The five-run second inning by the River Cats (20-15/56/54) was sparked by a leadoff walk drawn by Jesus Rodriguez, with Brett Wisely following with an RBI double to right field that broke the ice in the contest. After a Daniel Johnson single, Sam Huff hit a line drive single off the left field fence to put two aboard. Osleivis Basabe followed with the biggest hit of the night, a three-run homer to left to make it a 5-0 lead.

All five Sacramento runs were allowed by Ethan Pecko (0-1), who suffered the loss in his Triple-A debut after going 2.1 innings and allowing five runs on seven hits while striking out five.

River Cats starter Trevor McDonald (8-6) was sensational as he earned the victory while picking up a season-high 10 strikeouts. McDonald had one hiccup along the way, allowing back-to-back solo homers to Jacob Melton and Brice Matthews in the third inning. Overall, McDonald went five full innings and allowed five hits while walking three. The 10 strikeouts were one off his career high of 11 that he set back on Sept. 1, 2022.

Antonio Jimenez, Trent Harris and Ryan Watson (S, 7) combined to blank the Space Cowboys without allowing a hit over the final four frames. Watson struck out two in the ninth on his way to earning his seventh save of the season.

The River Cats and Space Cowboys play the third game of their series on Thursday as Sacramento aims for a fourth straight win. Left-hander Seth Lonsway (0-0, 0.00 ERA) makes his second start for Sacramento and his Sutter Health Park debut, with first pitch set for 6:45 p.m. (PT).