River Cats can't keep pace with Chihuahuas, fall 7-3

West Sacramento, CA - The Sacramento River Cats (63-77) got off to a rough start Sunday evening at Raley Field against the El Paso Chihuahuas (73-68). A six-run first inning by El Paso put the game out of reach early, leading to Sacramento's ultimate 7-3 defeat.

Andrew Suárez got the start for the River Cats and lasted a season-low four innings. El Paso tagged Suarez for six runs in the first inning, hitting two home runs, one of which was a grand slam. The Sacramento bullpen did their best to pick up the slack, allowing just one run on six hits over the final five innings, but the River Cats offense was unable to mount a comeback.
Steven Duggar did his part, finishing 1-for-2 with two walks and a three-run home run in the seventh inning. The rest of the offense managed just three hits. The defense also struggled, committing three errors for the second straight night.
The River Cats will wrap up the 2017 season tomorrow afternoon with left-hander Matt Gage (2-7, 5.43) on the hill up against El Paso's right-hander Bryan Rodriguez. First pitch is set for 1:05 p.m. (PT) and the game can be heard live online at rivercats.com and on the air on ESPN 1320.
Postgame Notes
Duggar: Centerfielder Steven Duggar hit his second home run of the season…now has a .262 batting average and six RBI in 12 games since joining Sacramento.
Suarez: Left-hander Andrew Suarez allowed a season-high six runs (five earned)…has now allowed seven home runs this season, six of which have come at Raley Field…has struck out 59 batters in 58.2 innings in his 10 appearances at home…went 2-1 in six August games with a 1.93 ERA (8 ER, 37.1 IP).
Triple-A Debut: Left-hander Mark Reyes made his Triple-A debut tonight in relief of Suarez…allowed one run over three innings while walking two and striking out two…went 4-13 with a 6.08 ERA in 25 games (21 starts) with San Jose.
Castillo: Ali Castillo has now reached base safely in seven consecutive games…hitting .380 (8-for-21) with three doubles and five runs over that span.
My Bad: Sacramento committed three errors in back to back games for the first time this season… have committed eight errors over their past five games.                                                                                         
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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.