River Cats rally late but fall to Bees 5-4

Salt Lake City, UT - The Sacramento River Cats (35-55) returned to action after the three-day All-Start break against the Salt Lake Bees (50-41) and despite a late comeback, fell just short by a score of 5-4.

Sacramento struck first in this one, taking a 1-0 lead in the first thanks to an RBI-single by Mac Williamson, his 33^rd RBI on the year. The Bees countered with a run of their own in the bottom half of the frame off starter Matt Gage who was making his third start of the year. Centerfielder Justin Ruggiano retook the lead with a solo home run in the third but Salt Lake was once again up to the challenge, scoring four more runs over the next two frames.
The River Cats made got things going in the eight after Ali Castillo lead off the inning with a double followed by an Orlando Calixte triple which drove him home. One batter later, Justin Ruggiano's bloop-single scored Calixte, but it was all for naught as they were retired in order in the ninth. The left-hander Gage picked up his third loss of the season and Sacramento dropped their record to 11-16 in one-run games.
The River Cats will send right-hander Tyler Beede (4-7, 5.01) to the hill for game two. The Bees will counter with right-hander Luis Diaz (3-6, 6.12). First pitch is set for 6:05 p.m. (PT) and the game can be heard live on the air on ESPN 1320 and online at rivercats.com.
Postgame Notes
Ruggiano: Justin Ruggiano launched his sixth home run of the season tonight and first against a left-handed pitcher…finished 3-for-4 with two runs and two RBI…tonight marked his third three-hit game and third two-RBI game.
In Relief: Three different Sacramento relievers combined to throw four scoreless innings tonight…right-hander Roberto Gomez went two scoreless frames while allowing just one hit…the relief outing was his first since 6/1 after making six starts previously…left-hander Kraig Sitton and right-hander Derek Law each went one inning…Sitton allowed one hit while Law allowed one walk struck out one.
Calixte: Third baseman Orlando Calixte collected his team-leading 36^th RBI tonight...also hit his team-leading fifth triple…Calixte has five of the team's 19 total three-baggers…committed his sixth error, all of which have come on the road.
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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.