Hjelle throws 3.0 scoreless, Wilson knocks in first career Triple-A run in defeat

Tacoma, Wash. — The Sacramento River Cats (24-38) struggled against right-hander Darren McCaughan (5-4), falling 4-1 to the Tacoma Rainiers (25-36) on Wednesday.

McCaughan had a no-hitter into the eighth, striking out a career-high 11 while walking two in 7.1 innings. The 11 strikeouts are McCaughan’s most in a game since he punched out nine in 6.2 innings at Sacramento Aug. 24, 2021.

A one-out eighth-inning double by third baseman Isan Díaz spoiled McCaughan’s bid for history and chased him from the game.

After left-hander Anthony Misiewicz entered, shortstop Will Wilson promptly knocked in Díaz with a ground-rule double for the River Cats’ first run, and his first career Triple-A RBI.

Right-hander Sean Hjelle pitched an impressive 3.0 innings, striking out four while allowing two walks and two hits before making way to the bullpen.

Tacoma took advantage of the pitching changes, scoring at least a run off each of the next three Sacramento pitchers.

Rehabbing San Francisco right-hander Anthony DeSclafani (0-0, 0.00) will try to build off his 3.0-inning scoreless outing last Saturday with another strong performance on Thursday. The MLB veteran will take on righty Konner Wade (1-2, 5.59) at 7:05 p.m. (PT). Listen to Johnny Doskow call the game online at rivercats.com or on the MiLB First Pitch app.

Additional Notes

• Left-hander Joe Palumbo made his River Cats debut in the seventh, striking out one while allowing a run on three hits.
• Right-fielder Heliot Ramos showed off his lauded throwing arm in the seventh. The 22-year-old nabbed Tacoma catcher Andrew Knapp at home trying to score on former Sacramento infielder Alex Blandino’s double.
• Another former Sacramento infielder Kevin Padlo got some revenge, hitting a two-run home run off right-hander Patrick Ruotolo in the fifth inning to make it 3-0.
• In his first game since returning from San Francisco, second baseman Donovan Walton went 1-for-4 against his former team.