Frandsen, Fireworks Light Up Raley Field

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Kevin Frandsen put on a fireworks show of his own before Friday Night Fireworks at Raley Field, going 4-for-4 with a home run, three runs scored, and two RBI. The veteran infielder's offensive outburst backed some dominant pitching performances from both San Francisco Giants' Matt Cain and River Cats starter Chris Stratton as Sacramento took the series opener 6-1 over the Albuquerque Isotopes.

Frandsen wasted no time getting started at the plate, singling in his first at bat and coming around to score two batters later on a Trevor Brown two-run single. In the third inning, the 33-year-old homered - his fourth of the year - on a line drive to left field. The ball just managed to stay fair and landed halfway up the home run terrace. His second single came two innings later, driving in Darren Ford and putting the River Cats ahead 5-1. He singled again in the seventh for his fourth hit of the night.

His offensive effort supported some excellent pitching from the River Cats. Chris Stratton (4-5, 3.86) got the start for Sacramento and picked up his first win at home this season. The right-hander mixed his pitches well, keeping the Isotopes off balance and inducing seven ground ball outs. He went six innings, giving up just one run on four hits and two walks. Stratton recorded eight strikeouts for the second time this season, matching his season high.

San Francisco Giants' veteran hurler Matt Cain returned to Raley Field for his second rehab stint this season, throwing two innings of relief. He threw 32 pitches, 23 of them for strikes, and hit 91 to 92 mph with his fastball consistently. Cain allowed one hit and struck out three.

The River Cats scored early and often, as Frandsen and company collected 11 hits en route to six runs. Jarret Parker, Ford, and Brown all recorded two hits with Brown and Frandsen each driving in two runs. Joe Panik made his second rehab start and picked up his first hit for the River Cats, going 1-for-3 with a base hit to center field. He didn't have to work quite as hard at second base as he did in his debut, but still made two nice plays, including a perfect turn on a clean 6-4-3 double play.

Friday night was the second-to-last fireworks show at Raley Field for this season. Fans have enjoyed fireworks every Friday and Saturday night after River Cats games, but tomorrow night marks the final fireworks show of the 2015 season.

The River Cats will send right-hander Tommy Hanson (3-5, 5.63) to the mound for game two of the series. Hanson was 3-1 with a 3.24 ERA in five August starts, his best month of the season. Opposite Hanson will be the 'Topes righty Boone Whiting (3-9, 6.57). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m and the game can be heard live online at rivercats.com and on the air on ESPN 1320.

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The Sacramento River Cats are the Triple-A affiliate of the 2014 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 2015 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.