River Cats launch three homers, Grizzlies storm back late

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA - Wednesday's sudden power surge would be all for naught, as the Sacramento River Cats (50-78) allowed six runs in the ninth to the Fresno Grizzlies (74-54), eventually dropping game two 10-8 in stunning fashion.

Grégor Blanco jumpstarted the recently sluggish Sacramento offense with a two-run homer in the second inning. In the third, outfielder Chris Shaw crushed his 23rd home run of the year to give the River Cats a 5-3 lead. Miguel Gómez added the third Sacramento home run in the fifth, extending the lead to 7-3.
River Cats starter Jordan Johnson allowed three runs on five hits with four walks and three strikeouts, and left the game after five frames with the lead. Tyler Rogers took over and retired six of the seven batters that he faced.
However, the River Cats would spoil an 8-4 ninth inning lead as the Grizzlies charged back with six runs in the final frame. The first nine men reached base in the ninth for Fresno, including the biggest hit of the game - a grand slam from right fielder Kyle Tucker.
The River Cats will wrap up this three-game series with Fresno as right-hander Tyler Herb (1-7, 5.13) takes the mound for Sacramento on Thursday. The Grizzlies will counter with fellow righty Brady Rodgers (1-3, 7.71). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. (PT). Catch all of the action live online at rivercats.com, on the MiLB First Pitch app, and on the air on Money 105.FM.
Additional Notes
· Blanco's second-inning homer was just his third with the River Cats and his first since July 4. Blanco hit one home run in 42 games with San Francisco this season.
· Brock Stassi continued to rake, going 2-for-3 with two doubles and two runs scored. He now has four multi-hit games in ten games played with Sacramento.