Calhoun homers late, Díaz reaches base 4 times as River Cats fall to Aces

Aces 5, River Cats 3

Sacramento outfielder Willie Calhoun lines a single against El Paso (6/26/22). (Ralph Thompson Photo)

By Maverick Pallack

June 29, 2022

Reno, Nev. — A three-hit day by shortstop Isan Díaz and a late three-run home run by designated hitter Willie Calhoun were not enough as the Sacramento River Cats (31-43) lost 5-3 to the Reno Aces (39-35) on Wednesday. Down 5-0 in the top of the ninth with two outs

Reno, Nev. — A three-hit day by shortstop Isan Díaz and a late three-run home run by designated hitter Willie Calhoun were not enough as the Sacramento River Cats (31-43) lost 5-3 to the Reno Aces (39-35) on Wednesday.

Down 5-0 in the top of the ninth with two outs and two on, Calhoun blasted his first home run since joining the River Cats to put the pressure on Reno right-hander Keynan Middleton.

Following an error by Middleton to allow center fielder Bryce Johnson to reach base, the River Cats suddenly found themselves with the tying run at the plate for left fielder Ka’ai Tom. Middleton was able to settle down, however, striking out Tom to escape the jam and even the series.

Díaz continued his hot month, reaching base four times for the second straight game, going 3-for-3 with a run, a walk, and a double. The 26-year-old is hitting .299 in June with 16 runs, five doubles, eight home runs, 18 RBIs, 11 walks, and a 1.136 OPS.

One early run was enough to earn right-hander Raynel Espinal (5-3) his second straight loss. The 30-year-old struck out four while allowing a single run on three hits and a walk in 5.0 innings.

Right-handers Patrick Ruotolo and Luis Ortiz did their best to keep the deficit within striking distance with two strikeouts each in scoreless innings of work before four runs on one hit and three walks vs righty Shelby Miller put the game out of reach.

Young right-hander Tristan Beck (1-5, 7.71) looks to earn the three-game series win with a victory on Thursday. He’ll take on righty Drey Jameson (2-5, 7.05) 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

After a rough start to 2022, Ramos looks locked in, hitting .290 with 16 runs, four doubles, three homers, and 12 RBIs in 22 games since May 27.
Tom went 1-for-4 with a double. The 28-year-old is hitting .290 this month with 14 runs, six doubles, five home runs, 18 RBIs, and a .966 OPS.
Catcher Joey Bart threw out two stolen base attempts.