River Cats propelled by six-run second inning

RENO, NV - After getting on the scoreboard early, the Sacramento River Cats (39-49) were able to hold off the Reno Aces (40-48) by the final score of 8-7 behind strong pitching and hitting from starter Casey Kelly.

The River Cats put their foot on the gas in the second inning by scoring six runs on seven hits while sending 11 men to the plate. Two hits in the inning came off the bat of outfielder Mac Williamson. Chris Shaw added his team-high 48th RBI of the season during the rally.
Sacramento starter Casey Kelly pitched into the seventh inning for the sixth time this season, and earned his eighth win on Friday night. Pitching with a comfortable lead, Kelly struck out five batters and allowed just three earned runs on five hits and two walks. He also did his part at the plate by going 2-for-4 with a single and a double.
The Aces made it interesting late, coming back from down 7-0 to within one run in the ninth. However, it was recently optioned right-hander Pierce Johnson who came on to get the final five outs and earn his first save with the River Cats.
Right-hander Mike Connolly (0-0, 1.35) takes the mound for his third start for the River Cats in game four of this series, and the Aces will counter with fellow right-hander Neftalí Feliz (1-3, 6.31). 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
· Williamson's two hits in the second inning are the first time the River Cats have had a batter record two hits in the same inning since Mac did it on April 9. The powerful left fielder reached base four times, going 2-for-3 with two walks.
· Kelly doubled his season hit total to four on Friday. He also had a two-hit game back on May 29 against Albuquerque.