Extra inning walk-off spoils incredible comeback

Reno, NV - After fighting back in amazing fashion to take the lead late, the Aces walked-off in the 11^th, as the Sacramento River Cats (18-30) dropped the series opener to the Reno Aces (31-19) by a score of 7-6. 

Sacramento starter Dan Slania was hit hard early, but managed to keep the River Cats within striking distance by getting through six innings, allowing four runs on ten hits and three walks while striking out four.
After a brilliant start by Aaron Laffey stymied the River Cats offense, Sacramento made noise against the Aces bullpen. Home runs by Juan Ciriaco and Jae-Gyun Hwang in the 8^th made it 5-3, then long balls by Orlando Calixte and Ryder Jones gave the River Cats a 6-5 lead in the 9^th. Steven Okert came on but allowed a game-tying sac-fly to send the game to extra innings.
The Aces were able to break the tie in the 11^th inning against Roberto Gomez when Ronnie Freeman singled up the middle to drive in the winning run for the 7-6 victory.
The River Cats take on the Aces again tomorrow night in game two, as San Francisco Giants top prospect Tyler Beede (3-2, 3.31) will lead Sacramento as they face Reno lefty Anthony Banda (4-2, 4.44). First pitch is set for 6:05 p.m. (PT) and the game can be heard live online at rivercats.com and on the air on Money 105.5 FM.
Postgame Notes
Home Runs Galore: The River Cats hit a pair of huge home runs in each of the final two innings of regulation to take the lead for the first time in the game…the four home runs are the most they have hit as a team this season (hit three on May 11).
Big Night for Calixte: The speedy center fielder had a monster game at the plate for Sacramento, going 4-6 with a triple, a home run, two runs scored, and two batted in…Calixte's eight home runs lead the River Cats.
Extras: The River Cats drop to 3-2 in extra-inning games, including 1-2 on the road.
Slania Struggles: Slania came into Saturday with the worst ERA among qualified pitchers in the entire PCL with an 8.92 mark…His earned run average marginally improved in this one (now 8.54), however, and he showed signs of progress.
Personnel Matters: Left-handed pitcher Steven Okert was optioned by the San Francisco Giants on Friday, joining the team this afternoon in Reno...Right-hander Ryan Webb was placed on the Disabled List.
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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 2017 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.