Johnson homers, Beck shines in piggyback role, as late big fly downs River Cats

Las Vegas, Nev. — A solo home run from center fielder Bryce Johnson and an impressive piggyback performance by right-hander Tristan Beck was ultimately not enough to lift the Sacramento River Cats (22-28) past the first place Las Vegas Aviators (28-21) as they fell 4-2 on Wednesday.

A two-run home run in the eighth by Las Vegas center fielder Vince Fernandez off right-hander Kervin Castro (0-2) was the difference, handing the River Cats their sixth defeat in their last seven games.

Johnson got the River Cats on the board in the third inning when he lined a solo home run to left field, his second big fly of the season.

Normally employed as a starter, Beck was spectacular out of the bullpen on Wednesday. Making just his fifth career relief appearance, the 25-year-old spun 5.0 shutout innings, striking out a Triple-A career-high seven while allowing four hits and one walk.

Fielding mistakes led to three of the game’s first four runs.

Las Vegas originally went up 2-0 in the second off left-hander Joey Marciano thanks to a pair of fielding mishaps. The Aviators broke the scoreless tie on a passed ball by catcher Ricardo Genovés, then doubled their lead when Marciano did not cover the bag on a grounder to first, which created an RBI single for left fielder Dalton Kelly.

The River Cats took advantage of a Las Vegas error in the eighth to tie the game. Sacramento shortstop Arquímedes Gamboa was caught in a rundown, but safely returned to first base when third baseman Matt Davidson dropped the ball. Three batters later he scored on a clutch two-out single by designated hitter Jhonny Pereda.

Lefty Michael Plassmeyer (0-6, 7.29) looks to break the River Cats’ three-game skid. The 25-year-old will be opposed by right-hander Adrian Martinez (1-2, 6.17) at 7:05 p.m. (PT) on Thursday. Listen to Johnny Doskow call the game online at rivercats.com or on the MiLB First Pitch app.

Additional Notes

• Right fielder Austin Dean reached base in each of his first three plate appearances, going 2-for-3 with a walk and a double.
• Making his first career Triple-A start, Marciano struck out three while allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits and a walk in 2.0 innings.