Preview: Sacramento takes on Tacoma to end homestand
West Sacramento, CA - The Sacramento River Cats (39-31) will host the Tacoma Rainiers (39-31), the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, for the last four games of their 12-game homestand. It will be AL-style baseball at Raley Field as the River Cats try to improve on their 6-18 mark against American League teams. Of those six wins, three came against Tacoma in their only road series win so far this year. The Rainiers currently sit tied with the Reno Aces for first place in the Pacific Northern division with the River Cats 11 games back.
Scouting the Teams
The Tacoma Rainiers have not been the same team away from the Pacific Northwest, as they hold a 15-20 record on the road. The Rainiers come into West Sacramento 4-6 in their last 10 and 9-10 so far this month. Tacoma's strong suit is their pitching staff, as they currently rank first in the PCL in fewest walks allowed (172) and have the third lowest team ERA (3.91). Offensively, they sit in the middle of the pack, ranking seventh in team batting average (.272), sixth in home runs (63), and eighth in stolen bases (52).
The Sacramento River Cats will look to build off their series win over the El Paso Chihuahuas, as they attempt to gain ground on first-place Tacoma. The Sacramento staff, who boast the third best team ERA this month (3.79), have pitched sensationally in the friendly confines of Raley Field, registering a 3.38 ERA. Despite scoring 27 runs in the eight games so far this homestand, the River Cats bats average just .232 at home. Overall, they have the third fewest runs scored in the PCL (301) and third fewest walks (207). On the year, Sacramento has stranded 507 runners on base, second only to their prior opponent (El Paso 541).
Players to Watch
Right fielder Stefen Romero has been a stalwart for the Rainiers this season, hitting .326 (10th in the PCL) with four triples and has not committed an error in his 321 innings played this year. His running mate, catcher Mike Zunino, leads the team in home runs (14, tied for third in the PCL) and RBI (45). Shortstop Chris Taylor is hitting .400 over his last nine games with four runs scored and eight RBI. Taking the hill tonight for Tacoma will be left-hander Brad Mills, who over his last two starts, is 1-0 with seven runs allowed in 11 2/3 innings pitched. He will be followed on Wednesday night by Joe Wieland, who owns a 7.52 ERA in 12 starts this season, and has a 13.21 ERA on the road.
On the mound tonight for the River Cats is veteran right-hander Chris Heston, who in four home starts, possesses a 2.00 ERA. Thursday night's game will feature southpaw sensation Adalberto Mejia, making his second start for Sacramento. In his first start, Mejia went seven scoreless innings, not allowing a walk while striking eight. Centerfielder Gorkys Hernadez, who is tied for the most games played in the PCL this season (68), has been a key contributor over the last five games, hitting .333 with three runs scored and two RBI. In the four game series against Tacoma earlier this season, catcher Andrew Susac hit .267 with four RBI, two runs scored, and a homer.
Matchup History
The River Cats' only road series win came Apirl 23-26 against the Rainiers, in which they outscored them 20-16. Sacramento has yet to beat an AL affiliate at home as they currently are 0-8 when using designated hitters at Raley Field. Along with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox, the Tacoma Rainiers are the only other team against who the River Cats have a winning record. All time, Sacramento leads the series 132-112.
Probable Pitchers
Tuesday, June 21 (7:05 p.m. PT): RHP Chris Heston (1-8, 3.96) vs. LHP Brad Mills (3-1, 5.20)
Wednesday, June 22 (7:05 p.m. PT): LHP Ty Blach (6-4, 4.41) vs. RHP Joe Wieland (5-4, 7.52)
Thursday, June 23 (7:05 p.m. PT): LHP Adalberto Mejia (0-0, 0.00) vs. RHP Zach Lee (7-5, 4.89)
Friday, June 24 (7:05 p.m. (PT): RHP Joan Gregorio (1-4 6.54) vs. RHP Jarrett Grube (0-0, 3.52)
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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 2016 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