River Cats leave Baby Cakes battered in 6-2 win

West Sacramento, CA - The Sacramento River Cats (45-62) offense pounced on the New Orleans Baby Cakes (40-67) early, scoring four runs in the first inning as they took game two of the series 6-2 Sunday evening at Raley Field.

San Francisco Giants closer Mark Melancon got the start for the River Cats, facing the minimum in his one inning by inducing an inning-ending double play after allowing a walk. In the home half of the first, Sacramento jumped on New Orleans starter and former Giants' left-hander Mike Kickham for four runs in an inning that including five hits - two for extra bases - and two stolen bases.
Third baseman Pablo Sandoval gave the River Cats their first run of the ballgame by driving in Wynton Bernard with a sacrifice fly in the four-run first. Mac Williamson, Chris Shaw, and Trevor Brown each knocked in a run in the frame, as well. Sacramento struck again in the fourth as first baseman Ryan Lollis drove in a pair with two outs to put the game away.
Sacramento will send right-hander Jose Flores (0-1, 4.03) to the hill tomorrow. New Orleans will counter with left-hander Justin Nicolino (4-4, 3.55). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. (PT) and the game can be heard live on the air on ESPN 1320 and online at rivercats.com.
Postgame Notes
Melancon: Right-hander Mark Melancon made his first career start this evening…played in his first game since June 27 with San Francisco…threw 15 pitches (eight strikes).
Sandoval: Third baseman Pablo Sandoval collected his first RBI with the River Cats…finished 1-for-2 with a walk and a sacrifice fly…now batting .263 in six games with the club.
Gomez: Right-hander Roberto Gomez took over for Melancon in the second and allowed one unearned run over five innings…surrendered four hits and fanned six Baby Cakes hitters…his five innings were a season-high by a Sacramento reliever this season…earned his third win tonight.
Bernard: Centerfielder Wynton Bernard was 3-for-5 with a walk…had three of the team's 10 hits this…was his fifth three-hit game this year…also stole two bases.
Lollis: First baseman Ryan Lollis registered his second straight game with two RBI…leads the club with 13 RBI this month.