Cueto sharp in rehab appearance with River Cats

Giants' right-hander gets through 3.2 innings, strikes out four, and throws 48 pitches

Johnny Cuteo made a rehab start in Sacramento against El Paso on June 23, 2018. Photo: Ralph Thompson/River Cats (Ralph Thompson)

June 24, 2018

The Sacramento River Cats (33-42) had an energetic crowd on hand Saturday evening to watch a brilliant first rehab start from San Francisco Giants' right-hander Johnny Cueto. The offense, however, was dormant once again as the River Cats fell to the El Paso Chihuahuas (38-37) 3-1. Sacramento has only scored two runs in their last three games against El Paso and have now lost a season-high seven in a row.
Making his third career start at Raley Field, Cueto was tremendous in his 3.2 innings pitched. He struck out four batters and allowed just one baserunner while throwing 48 total pitches (33 strikes). The 11-year veteran plans to make at least one more rehab start before rejoining the Giants rotation.
Sacramento jumped in front in the second inning when catcher Ronnie Freeman singled home outfielder Chris Shaw to make it 1-0. The River Cats were not able to keep up with the Chihuahuas in the middle innings, however, and finished the game 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position.
The River Cats look to finish the series on a strong note as right-hander Taylor Hill (1-2, 8.38) takes the mound. He'll face off with El Paso righty Walker Lockett (2-6, 4.66) in the matinee series finale. First pitch is set for 1:05 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

Chase d'Arnaud went 2-for-3 on the night with his team-leading 14th stolen base and 36th walk of the season. His sixth inning double was the River Cats first extra-base hit since the 6th inning of their game on June 19 in New Orleans.
Tyler Beede threw the ninth inning on Saturday, allowing a hit and striking out one. He did not walk a batter for the first time this season.

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The Sacramento River Cats are the Triple-A affiliate of the three-time 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 2018 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.