Four Unanswered Powers Sacramento Past Round Rock

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Sacramento River Cats had to climb out of an early 2-0 hole, but they were able to accomplish the mission with a tally in the fifth and three in the sixth to snatch a 4-3 win over the Round Rock Express on Saturday.

Quickly the Express (42-32/76-72) snatched the lead thanks to a pair of runs in the top of the first, all of which started on a solo homer with one out from Justin Foscue on the first pitch he saw. Meanwhile, a follow up single and immediate subsequent double from former River Cat Donovan Solano turned the game to 2-0.

Often the River Cats (41-33/77-72) had runners on base but failed to score, which included the bases loaded in fourth frame. However, it took until the fifth for Sacramento to finally push a run across, doing so in large part due to Thomas Gavello. His single and immediate stolen base put him in scoring position, eventually scoring on a Luis Matos sacrifice fly.

Just an inning later and the River Cats took the lead for good, once more loading the bases thanks to a walk and pair of singles from Osleivis Basabe and Logan Porter. Stepping up to the plate and delivering in the clutch was Wade Meckler, who ripped his fifth double of the series and drove in a pair to snatch the lead. Matos later added an insurance tally by driving in Porter.

Pitching was up to the task of holding the lead, though it happened after starter Nick Zwack had exited as he had allowed two runs on five hits in five innings. On next was Mason Black (3-10), who made his fifth relief appearance and worked one inning while allowing two hits, though neither turned into a run.

Picking up his seventh hold of the season was Trent Harris, who went a full inning and allowed a single tally. Slamming the door shut was Miguel Díaz (S, 9), converting his ninth save in 10 chances by collecting the final six outs and now allowing a base runner while punching out three of the six hitters faced.

Only Matos ended with a two-hit game, finishing 2-for-3 with his two RBI. However, five others had knocks in the game including the two-bagger from Meckler, while Porter was 1-for-2 and walked twice while scoring a run.

The River Cats and Express will be back in action for the final game of the season on Sunday, as the two teams take the diamond at Sutter Health Park for first pitch at 1:05 p.m. (PT).