Tables Turned, Kitties Fall in Final At-Bats to Comets

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Just one night after the Sacramento River Cats snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, the tables were turned on Friday as the Oklahoma City Comets scored three times in the ninth to snatch a 9-7 victory.

It was a promising start for the River Cats (1-3/37-42) as they scored four runs in the bottom of the first frame, tied for their third-most runs in the first inning of a game this season. Singles by Wade Meckler and Luis Matos put a pair on the corners, and Meckler then scored the game’s first run when a Matos stolen base forced a throwing error by Chuckie Robinson when his throw hit the pitcher.

Later in the frame Marco Luciano drew a walk and executed a double steal with Matos, putting both in scoring position to score on a Hunter Bishop single up the middle. Bishop himself then stole second base, eventually scoring on a Logan Porter knock into right field.

While the Comets (3-1/49-30) stole three runs back in the top of the third, two of which scored on a Ryan Ward ground rule double to right-center field, Sacramento scored once in the third and twice in the fourth to counter. Drew Ellis doubled to open the third, scoring when Bishop laced a double into the right-center gap.

Meanwhile, a single and stolen base from Osleivis Basabe turned into a run when he was doubled home by Meckler, this time sending a ball down the left-field line. Meckler then scored the second run of the frame when he crossed the plate on a Luis Matos sacrifice fly.

However, Oklahoma City did the same by scoring once in the sixth and twice in the seventh, pulling within a run to take a close game into the final innings. The tally in the seventh was courtesy of a Robinson single, while Ryan Ward hammered a 3-1 pitch over the wall in right field for a two-run blast.

In a role reversal from yesterday, the River Cats were clinging to a one-run lead in the ninth while closer Ryan Watson (L, 2-1) tried to preserve the victory. Unfortunately he was unable to do so, surrendering a game-tying solo homer to Michael Chavis before the Comets went on score twice more thanks to a Kody Hoese two-run double.

Watson was charged with the loss, allowing three runs on three hits in 0.2 innings of work. Mason Black drew the start and also yielded a trio of runs, giving up three hits and walks while punching out five.

Meckler ended his night with three hits, going 3-for-5 with two run scored, a double, and an RBI. Meanwhile, both Bishop and Basabe had two knocks in the game, both finishing 1-for-4 with a run scored while Bishop also had a double and team-high three RBI.

Oklahoma City has now clinched at minimum a series split, meaning the River Cats will look to avoid a series loss when the two teams meet on Saturday at 6:37 p.m. (PT).