Bart, Krizan go yard in series-opening defeat

West Sacramento, CA. — The Sacramento River Cats (30-43) could not finish off the comeback, falling to the first place Reno Aces (46-27) despite late home runs from catcher Joey Bart and first baseman Jason Krizan.

Down 6-2 entering the eighth inning, Bart ignited the comeback with a towering home run to left-center. Three batters later, Krizan left the yard with an opposite field, two-run home run just over the left field wall.

Sacramento brought the winning run to the plate in the ninth, but Reno right-hander Brandyn Sittinger was able to strike out the final two batters to close out the win.

The River Cats had to play from behind partially because Reno left-hander Tyler Gilbert (5-2) was nearly unhittable. He allowed just one run in 6.0 innings on three hits and two walks, while striking out 10 River Cats.

Sacramento right fielder Heliot Ramos and his brother, Reno left fielder Henry Ramos, each knocked in a run in their first game against each other since the 2018 Puerto Rican Winter League.

Henry, 29, broke the scoreless tie in the fourth with a towering home run over his brother’s head in right field, while Sacramento’s Ramos, 21, plated his team’s first run in the sixth when he singled to his brother in left field to score rehabbing Giants’ second baseman Tommy La Stella.

Right-hander Tyler Beede (0-5) continued his improved form with a season-high 4.2 innings in which he struck out three while allowing two runs on six hits and two walks.

The River Cats have yet to name an opener for their bullpen day on Friday. The TBD will be opposed by Reno right-hander Kevin McCanna (0-0, 0.82). First pitch is at 7:05 p.m. (PT). Listen to Johnny Doskow call the game live online at rivercats.com or on the MiLB First Pitch app.

Additional Notes

• La Stella had a solid day out of the leadoff spot, going 1-for-3 with a walk, run, and seventh-inning RBI single.
• In addition to La Stella, three other rehabbing Giants took the field. First baseman Brandon Belt went 0-for-2 in his first game since June 23, while center fielder Jaylin Davis went 0-for-4. Rehabbing right-handed reliever Reyes Moronta struck out one and allowed one run in a 1.0-inning effort.