River Cats scrap and claw for victory over Grizzlies

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA - Despite recording just three hits on the afternoon, the Sacramento River Cats (37-46) were still able to pull out a 3-1 victory over the Fresno Grizzlies (48-34). Starter Mike Connolly was solid in his second start since joining Sacramento.

In the first inning, Kelby Tomlinson recorded the River Cats lone hit through the first five innings, then showed his versatility on the base paths by stealing second base, advancing to third on a throwing error, and later scoring on a wild pitch to tie the game 1-1.
Grizzlies' starter Josh James struck out 12 River Cats hitters in five innings, but Sacramento broke through with two runs in the sixth inning with an RBI-single from Chase d'Arnaud and a Grégor Blanco RBI-groundout to arrive at the final score of 3-1.
Connolly allowed a run in the top of the first inning, but recovered to strikeout four batters in 4.1 innings. The bullpen shut out the Grizzlies for the remainder of the game with six strikeouts, while Fresno went 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position and left eleven runners on base.
In game four of this five-game series, San Francisco Giants' right-hander Jeff Samardzija (0-2, 6.55) will make his fourth rehab start this season for the River Cats while the Grizzlies will counter with righty Brock Dykxhoorn (2-1, 3.82). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. (PT). Catch all of the action live online at rivercats.com, on the MiLB First Pitch app, and on the air on Money 105.FM.
Additional Notes
• With three hits in Sunday's win, the River Cats have two wins so far in this series with a combined seven hits. Three hits is the fewest number of hits in a game this year.
• Sacramento also struck out 16 times this afternoon, the most in a single game this season. Fresno pitchers have struck out 42 River Cats hitters combined in the first three games of this series.