Rain Slows River Cats Offense, Fall to Las Vegas 4-3

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Level at 3-3 going into the middle innings, the Sacramento River Cats could not find the run to put them over the top, falling to the Las Vegas by a 4-3 final on Friday.

For the 18th time this season the River Cats (16-9) scored first, plating all three of their runs in the second inning. Casey Schmitt sparked the rally, as his single extended his hitting streak to 14 games which is the longest Sacramento hit streak since Clint Coulter hit safely in 15 consecutive games from April 1-18, 2023.

A walk to Chase Pinder and a bunt single from Donovan Walton loaded the bases, setting the stage for Ismael Munguia to deliver a two-RBI single with two outs into center field. Following in the next at-bat was Luis Matos, who also delivered single up the middle with an exit velocity of 108 mph.

The lead did not last long, as the Aviators (11-13) game was tied with one swing of the bat in the top of the third by Carlos Perez. Two walks put runners on, allowing Perez to deliver the game-tying homer out to left field on a 1-1 count.

After a scoreless frame, Las Vegas tallied the final run of the contest during the fifth when a Yohel Pozo double turned into a run, scoring on another two-bagger from Drew Lugbauer.

Try as they might, the River Cats had just one more hit from the fifth inning through the end of the contest, which was a Trenton Brooks single in the seventh but did not result in any runs after he was thrown out trying to stretch it into a double.

Much of the reason why the Sacramento offense was kept in check was Osvaldo Bido (3-1), who made a relief appearance despite being the scheduled starter after the game was delayed an hour due to rain. He punched out seven hitters, the third time this season he struck out seven or more, tossing 5.1 innings en route to a victory.

Charged with the loss for Sacramento was Clay Helvey (1-1), who allowed his first run of the season to snap a scoreless streak of 9.1 innings.

It was a solid night for Munguia despite the loss, as he tallied his second multi-hit game of the season. Three of his last four hits have been for extra bases, including a triple and pair of doubles. He also drove home two runs for the second time this year.

With the series even at two games apiece, each team will look to take a series lead when they line up for game five at Sutter Health Park on Saturday, with first pitch scheduled for 6:37 p.m.