Beck dominates, Duggar hits grand slam as River Cats bludgeon Rainiers to earn series split

River Cats 12, Rainiers 1

Rehabbing San Francisco outfielder Steven Duggar loads for a pitch against Reno (6/12/22). (Ralph Thompson Photo)

By Maverick Pallack

June 19, 2022

Tacoma, Wash. — Powered by a superb outing from right-hander Tristan Beck (1-5), and a grand slam by rehabbing San Francisco outfielder Steven Duggar, the Sacramento River Cats (27-39) took their third straight over the Tacoma Rainiers (26-39), winning 12-1 to split the series. Beck was nearly untouchable on the

Tacoma, Wash. — Powered by a superb outing from right-hander Tristan Beck (1-5), and a grand slam by rehabbing San Francisco outfielder Steven Duggar, the Sacramento River Cats (27-39) took their third straight over the Tacoma Rainiers (26-39), winning 12-1 to split the series.

Beck was nearly untouchable on the mound, earning his first career Triple-A win. The 25-year-old had arguably Sacramento’s best start of the season, striking out five while allowing two singles and a walk in 7.0 shutout innings.

The effort was the longest start by a Sacramento pitcher since left-hander Jake Dahlberg threw 8.0 scoreless in the season-finale against Albuquerque on Oct. 3, 2021.

Third baseman David Villar put Sacramento up 1-0 in the third with an RBI double to plate Duggar, which kicked off 12 straight runs.

Shortstop Will Wilson doubled the River Cats’ lead in the fifth with an RBI double. Following a walk and hit-by-pitch, Duggar lined the first home run of his rehab stint, a towering 407-foot grand slam to right-center.

Duggar, who started at designated hitter, finished the day 2-for-4 with the grand slam, a double, two runs, a walk, and a stolen base.

An inning later, left fielder Ka’ai Tom made it 9-0 in the fifth with a three-run shot, his second homer in as many days and seventh big fly of the season.

Neither the River Cats, nor the Chihuahuas have announced their rotation for the upcoming series at Sutter Health Park. Sacramento will try to make it four in a row with a win in Tuesday’s series opener at 6:35 p.m. (PT). Listen to Johnny Doskow call the game online at rivercats.com or on the MiLB First Pitch app.

Additional Notes

Second baseman Isan Díaz continues to fuel the Sacramento offense, going 1-for-2 with three runs, three walks, and an RBI.
In his season debut for the River Cats, catcher Joey Bart went 2-for-4 with a walk and a run.
Rehabbing San Francisco outfielder LaMonte Wade Jr. went 1-for-2 with a walk while playing 3.0 innings at first base.