Grand Slam in Ninth Silences Sacramento, 7-4

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Much like the previous two games the Sacramento River Cats entered the final frames in a close contest with the Oklahoma City Comets, but a grand slam by James Outman in the top of the ninth was the deciding factor in a 7-4 Oklahoma City victory on Saturday.

A run in the top of the second by the Comets (3-1/50-30) gave them the early advantage, a run that was entirely manufactured by Esteury Ruiz. After drawing a walk, he promptly stole second and third base, eventually scoring when Elijah Hainline singled into center field.

However, the River Cats (1-3/37-43) jumped out in front during the home half of the fifth, scoring their first run of the night when Marco Luciano’s single saw him later cross the plate on a double from Hunter Bishop. Meanwhile, it was a Devin Mann double that gave Sacramento the lead, trading places with Bishop for his first and only RBI of the game.

Oklahoma City drew level again in the top of the seventh, again set up by Ruiz when he doubled into left field and advanced to third on an error when left fielder Marco Luciano tried getting the ball back into the infield. Just 90 feet from home, Ruiz scored on a sacrifice fly from Nick Senzel.

One inning later and the Comets were back in front, taking the lead on a home run by Hunter Feduccia when he crushed the first pitch of his at-bat out to right center. Continuing the home run train, it was James Outman who put the game away in the top of the ninth, making the River Cats pay for an error just moments before. Sitting in a full count, he crushed an offering deep over the wall in right center that put the Comets far in front.

While the River Cats fought to their final out, scoring twice in the ninth thanks to a single from Wade Meckler and sacrifice fly from Devin Mann, but could not find the clutch hits they needed to make it all the way back.

Carson Ragsdale drew the start and allowed just one run on three hits in 5.1 innings, stiking out seven while walking two. However, he was rendered a no decision. Juan Mercedes (1-5) was charged with the loss, allowing six runs (five earned) on five hits, two of which were homers, in 3.0 innings of work. Mercedes has now allowed six homers in his past two outings.

Despite the loss, four River Cat had multi-hit efforts including Meckler, Luciano, Bishop and Mann, with only Mann driving in multiple runs. Both Meckler and Luciano closed 2-for-4, while Bishop and Mann were each 2-for-3.

This win clinched a series win for the Comets, but the River Cats will look to finish on a high note when the two teams meet again at 1:05 p.m. (PT) on Sunday from Sutter Health Park.