Caturday: River Cats run by Rainiers 8-2

Tacoma, WA (7/24/21) – The Tacoma Rainiers (36-32) fell behind early and could not chip away against the Sacramento River Cats (29-39), dropping an 8-2 decision on Saturday night at Cheney Stadium. The Rainiers have four games remaining on this season-long 14-game homestand, and are 5-5 thus far.

The River Cats leapt to a 3-0 lead in the second inning, on two walks, two singles and a pair of fielder’s choice, in that order. It was 4-0 in the third after Bryce Johnson’s RBI double, his second run-scoring knock of the game. Will Toffey led off the fourth with a homer, for a 5-0 Sacramento advantage.

The Rainiers responded with a two-out rally in the fifth. A Wyatt Mathisen walk and an Alen Hanson single turned into two runs on a Sacramento error and a two-RBI single from Kennie Taylor.

Tacoma starter Robert Dugger allowed five (earned) runs on eight hits, striking out two and walking two. In a bullpen game for Sacramento, Kervin Castro picked up the win pitching innings two through four; he did not allow a hit or walk a batter, and struck out six.

Still 5-2 in the seventh, the River Cats tacked on two more with a bases loaded walk to Johnson, and a Mitchell Tolman sac fly. Johnson added his fourth hit and fourth RBI of the night by blasting a solo homer in the ninth, the final run of the evening. Johnson reached base in all five of his plate appearances.

Tacoma will next be in action on Sunday, for a split-admission doubleheader at Cheney Stadium against Sacramento. First pitches are scheduled for 12:05 and 5:05 p.m.

Rainiers broadcaster Mike Curto will have full coverage on TacomaRainiers.com. All 2021 Rainiers games, home and away, can also be heard for free on the MiLB First Pitch app. HD video broadcasts of every home game can be viewed with an MiLB.TV subscription. (Use code: RAINIERS to save $10 on an annual subscription.

About the Tacoma Rainiers

The Tacoma Rainiers are the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. The Rainiers are a member of Triple-A West. Tacoma has been a Mariners affiliate since establishing the Rainiers moniker in 1995.

Single-game tickets for all remaining 2021 Rainiers home games are now available. Questions regarding season tickets can be directed to [email protected].

The most up-to-date news and notes about the Tacoma Rainiers and Cheney Stadium can be found at WeRTacoma.com, or by following the Rainiers on Twitter (@RainiersLand), Instagram (@tacomarainiers) and liking the team on Facebook.