Dean finishes double shy of cycle, drives in 4 in Wade’s return

West Sacramento, Calif. — Powered by excellent pitching and a stellar day at the plate by right fielder Austin Dean, the Sacramento River Cats (9-8) won 12-1 vs the Oklahoma City Dodgers (11-6) on Saturday.

After being shut out on Friday, the River Cats’ offense exploded for 12 runs on 15 hits.

The River Cats broke the game open with a five-run seventh, highlighted by Dean’s two-run home run. Dean finished his impressive day a double shy of the cycle, going 3-for-5 with two runs and four RBIs.

Designated hitter Heliot Ramos showed off his opposite-field power in the third inning. The Giants’ No. 5 prospect on MLB.com lined his second home run of 2022, finishing the day 3-for-4 with a walk, two runs, and two RBIs.

Center fielder Luke Williams had another strong day for the River Cats, going 3-for-4 with two runs and three RBIs. Williams is now 7-for-12 (.583) with five runs, two doubles, and three RBIs in three games for Sacramento.

Right-hander Luis Ortiz was excellent in his first start of the season, striking out five while allowing one run on two hits in 4.0 innings.

Right-hander Sean Hjelle (1-0, 2.19) looks to earn the River Cats the series split on Sunday, taking on right-hander Mike Wright Jr. (0-1, 6.75) at 1:05 p.m. (PT). Listen to Johnny Doskow call the game online at rivercats.com or on the MiLB First Pitch app.

Additional Notes

• San Francisco rehabbing left fielder LaMonte Wade Jr. had three plate appearances on Saturday, all against left-hander Robbie Erlin (1-1). Wade went 0-for-2 with a walk and a run scored.
• The Sacramento bullpen was nearly unhittable. Right-hander Kervin Castro struck out one in 2.0 scoreless innings, righty Mauricio Llovera (2-0) struck out three while allowing one walk in 2.0 innings, and right-hander Matt Carasiti finished off the win with a shutout ninth.