River Cats drop Friday finale but win series

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The Sacramento River Cats (63-54) had a rough series finale, dropping Friday's contest against the Memphis Redbirds (52-65) by a score of 15-0. The River Cats still took the three-game series in their chase for the Pacific Coast League playoffs.
The River Cats offense was held in check by the Redbirds, as right-hander Daniel Ponce de Leon was excellent over seven innings, allowing just two hits in seven innings of work. Joe McCarthy was the lone River Cat to reach second base in the eighth inning. Levi Michael, Joe McCarthy, Chris Shaw and Jaylin Davis accounted for the River Cats' four hits on the night.
On a night where the pitching staff was roughed up, newbie Dan Winkler managed to find success. The right-hander delivered an inning and a third of scoreless baseball, not allowing a hit while striking out one Memphis Redbird.
The River Cats will look to get back on track Saturday as they host Nashville for four games. Newly acquired righty Justin Haley (0-0, No ERA) will take the mound, while Nashville will counter with lefty Wes Benjamin (5-5, 6.15). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. (PT). Listen to all of the action live online at rivercats.com, on the MiLB First Pitch app, and on Money 105.5 FM.
Additional Notes

• Yoanys Quiala joined the ejection-club with Dave Brundage and Mac Williamson, getting tossed in the fourth on his way off the field arguing balls in strikes with home plate umpire Alex Ziegler.
• The River Cats suffered their worst defeat this season, finishing the game 15-0. Sacramento's previous worst loss came on June 27 when the River Cats suffered a 17-6 lose at the hands of the El Paso Chihuahuas.

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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. Season Tickets, Mini-Plans, and Flex Plans can be purchased for the River Cats' 20th season by calling the River Cats Ticket Hotline at (916) 371-HITS (4487). The only place to guarantee official River Cats tickets is at www.rivercats.com. For information on other events at Raley Field, visit www.raleyfield.com.