Robinson’s pinch-hit homer highlights River Cats’ shut out win

River Cats 8, Aces 0

Sacramento outfielder Drew Robinson runs to first in a game between the River Cats and Reno Aces on June 22. (Ralph Thompson Photo)

By Maverick Pallack

June 25, 2021

West Sacramento, CA. — The Sacramento River Cats downed the first place Reno Aces thanks to an excellent start by left-hander Scott Kazmir (2-0), and home runs by Drew Robinson and LaMonte Wade Jr. Up 4-0 in the sixth with one out and a runner on, Robinson stepped to the

West Sacramento, CA. — The Sacramento River Cats downed the first place Reno Aces thanks to an excellent start by left-hander Scott Kazmir (2-0), and home runs by Drew Robinson and LaMonte Wade Jr.

Up 4-0 in the sixth with one out and a runner on, Robinson stepped to the plate to pinch-hit for Kazmir.

The lefty entered the game as one of Sacramento’s more successful bats off the bench. Sacramento pinch hitters were 3-for-30 with one double and zero RBIs. Despite an 0-for-3 line as a pinch hitter, Robinson’s patient approach has resulted in three walks and two strikeouts.

Yet, Robinson got his pitch early, and made the most of it, launching a 1-0 pitch from Reno reliever Brandyn Sittinger over the right field wall for Sacramento’s first pinch-hit home run of the season.

Kazmir was dealing in his second start since returning from San Francisco. The veteran struck out five across six scoreless innings while surrendering five hits and one walk.

The effort marked the River Cats’ first six-inning start since righty Shun Yamaguchi threw 6.1 against Reno on May 22 (which led to him being named Triple-A West Pitcher of the Week).

Following Kazmir, righties Jay Jackson (two innings with five strikeouts) and Trevor Gott (one three-up, three-down inning) finished off Sacramento’s first shutout of the season.

Right-hander Aaron Sanchez (0-1, 11.81) looks to make it two in a row. He’ll be opposed by Arizona’s No. 20 prospect on MLB Pipeline, right-hander Josh Green (4-1, 5.44). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. (PT) on Friday. Listen to all of the action live online at rivercats.com, and on the *MiLB First Pitch app. *

Additional Notes

Sacramento’s Thairo Estrada had a well-rounded day. The shortstop ended the first inning with a diving catch, recorded his team-leading 16th multi-hit game, and tied catcher Joey Bart for the team-lead with nine multi-RBI games.
Wade provided the offense early on. In his first game since being optioned by San Francisco, Wade went 1-2 with a walk, home run, and two runs scored.
Four batters after Wade’s home run, rehabbing San Francisco outfielder Jaylin Davis doubled the lead to 4-0 with a two-run double off the right-center wall.