Early Lead Holds for Sacramento, Drops Reno 5-1

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Five runs through the first four innings proved more than enough for the Sacramento River Cats, outlasting the Reno Aces by a final of 5-1 on Thursday for their fifth consecutive victory.

Two batters into the contest and the River Cats (14-16/58-47) took the lead, as Grant McCray kicked off the action with a single through the right side before scoring in the very next at-bat on a double to left center by Luis Matos.

Sacramento added onto its lead with a trio of runs, once again started by a single into center with one out. Two batters later and McCray scored on yet another double, this time from Trenton Brooks when he shot a ball into right. Next up was Ryan McKenna, launching his second homer in as many games w9th a two-run blast out to right center on the first pitch he saw.

In the top of the fifth the Aces (16-13/51-53) finally made it onto the scoreboard, turning an Albert Almora Jr. double into a run thanks to a single into left by Adrian Del Castillo. However, that was all they could muster against a stiff Sacramento pitching staff.

Right-hander Mason Black (4-5) drew the start and allowed Reno’s only run, but otherwise scattered seven hits and a walk while striking out four. A trio of Cats threw scoreless appearances behind him in Austin Warren, Kolton Ingram and Tyler Myrick, with only Ingram allowing a hit while both Ingram and Myrick punched out two.

Luis Matos had a 3-for-5 effort in the contest, driving home one on his double and scoring once. Meanwhile, the trio of McCray, Brooks and Jakson Reetz each had a pair of hits, both of which were doubles for Reetz while Brooks also had one of his own.

The River Cats have captured five straight wins for the third time this season, and have snapped a nine-game losing streak against the Aces with three consecutive wins to begin the season.

Both teams will return to the field on Friday for game four of this series, with first pitch at Sutter Health Park set for 6:45 p.m. (PT).