River Cats can’t take advantage of Shoemaker’s gem, lose late

Tacoma, Wash. — Sacramento River Cats (48-60) right-hander Matt Shoemaker was nearly untouchable on Saturday, tying the Triple-A West season-high with 11 strikeouts over 7.0 shutout innings before the first place Tacoma Rainiers (66-45) roared back to win against the Sacramento bullpen.

After retiring the first two batters of the eighth, right-hander Reyes Moronta (0-1) looked well on his way toward sending the game to the final inning with the River Cats’ 2-0 lead intact.

Yet two walks, and an RBI single by right fielder Luis Liberato forced Moronta’s exit, putting newly acquired Jake Jewell into a high-pressure situation for his River Cats debut.

With two on, two out, and a full count, second baseman Alen Hanson launched a three-run home run to right field, his first of the season, for a devastating blow.

The heartbreaking defeat spoiled Shoemaker’s masterful effort. Hanson started the game off with a single, but Shoemaker proceeded to retire the next 15 batters to finish the day with just two hits and one walk surrendered over a team-high 7.0 innings.

Although Shoemaker was dominant, the River Cats had little breathing room, with just two runs against reigning Triple-A West pitcher of the month Ryan Weber (3-1). The right-hander allowed just two runs (both in the second inning) on five hits while striking out eight in 8.0 innings.

Olympic Silver Medalist Scott Kazmir (3-2, 4.63) looks to fuel a rebound on Sunday. He’ll be opposed by righty Logan Verrett (9-3, 5.22) at 1:35 p.m. (PT). Listen to Johnny Doskow call the game live online at rivercats.com or on the MiLB First Pitch app.

Additional Notes

• Shoemaker’s 11 strikeouts tied Reno right-hander Humberto Castellanos for most in a game (Aug. 23) this season.
• Right fielder Mike Tauchman plated second baseman Jason Vosler for the game’s first run in the second inning with an RBI double to left field. Two batters later, catcher Chadwick Tromp doubled Tauchman home for the River Cats’ final hit until shortstop Arismendy Alcántara’s eighth inning single.