Johnson homers, Villar scores thrice in River Cats’ late-game defeat

West Sacramento, Calif. — Despite overcoming a 5-0 deficit, the Sacramento River Cats (28-42) were unable to complete the comeback, falling 11-8 to the El Paso Chihuahuas (40-30) on Friday night.

Down five in the third, Johnson ignited the River Cats’ offense, lining a 2-2 slider 418 feet (100.4 exit velocity) for his third homer of the season.

While El Paso added a run in each of the next three innings, Sacramento proceeded to score three in the fourth, one in the fifth, and three in the sixth to knot the game at eight.

Back-to-back doubles by rehabbing San Francisco left fielder LaMonte Wade Jr. and center fielder Heliot Ramos made it 8-6. Four batters later, shortstop Isan Díaz lined a clutch two-out double to right-center to plate Ramos and hustling second baseman David Villar from first base.

The teams traded zeros in the seventh and eighth before a three-run ninth against right-hander Shelby Miller (0-1) gave El Paso a lead they would not relinquish.

The River Cats have yet to name who will open their bullpen day on Saturday. The TBD will take on El Paso lefty Luke Westphal (2-1, 4.14) at 6:37 p.m. (PT). Watch Johnny Doskow and Brock Stassi call the game on CW-31 or listen to Greg Wong online at rivercats.com or on the MiLB First Pitch app.

Additional Notes

• Although without a hit, Villar was an offensive catalyst, going 0-for-1 with three runs and four walks (tying the team-high).
• Ramos had a strong day at the plate and in the outfield, going 2-for-5 with a walk, a run, an RBI, and multiple running catches in center field.
• Right-hander Mauricio Llovera struck out one in an inning to give him 23 punchouts in 17.0 frames without an earned run for the River Cats.
• Sacramento walked 13 times, tying its season-high which was set on May 13 at El Paso.