River Cats put on offensive showcase in win

West Sacramento, CA - The Sacramento River Cats (29-42) jumped out to an early lead Thursday night and never looked back, defeating the Fresno Grizzlies (35-38) by a final score of 9-3 at Chukchansi Park in Fresno.

Justin Ruggiano, the second batter of the game, started the barrage with a solo home run in the top of the first inning to give the River Cats an early 1-0 lead. That lead grew in the third inning as Sacramento added three more runs, thanks in part to an RBI double off the bat of Ryder Jones.
The scoring continued in the fourth inning as Sacramento piled on five more runs. Jones collected his second double, this time knocking in two, while Mac Williamson blasted a two-run home run that left the stadium. The home run capped the inning and put Sacramento up 9-1.
Andrew Suárez pitched six strong innings for the River Cats and picked up his first career Triple-A win. Behind him, the Sacramento defense turned a franchise record six double plays. Derek Law made his first appearance with Sacramento this season, throwing a scoreless ninth.
Game two between the River Cats and Grizzlies is tomorrow as Joan Gregorio (4-4, 3.04) faces off against Mike Hauschild (4-1, 5.15). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. (PT) and the game can be heard live online at rivercats.com and on the air on ESPN 1320.
Postgame Notes
Jones: Ryder Jones went 2-for-5 with two doubles, two runs scored, and three RBI…Jones is second on the club in both doubles (15) and RBI (33)…trails Jae-Gyun Hwang in both categories (18 doubles, 42 RBI).
Parker: Jarrett Parker played his third straight rehab game with Sacramento …Parker reached base three times, singling twice and drawing a walk…also scored two runs…through three games, Parker is 3-for-8 with four runs scored and three walks.
Suarez: Suarez picked up his first career Triple-A win tonight, throwing six innings and allowing three runs (two earned) on seven hits and four walks…struck out two.
Law: Derek Law made his first Triple-A appearance since April 12 of the 2016 season…was just his fourth career appearance at the Triple-A level…after starting the 2016 season with the River Cats, Law made his MLB debut two weeks into the season on April 16, 2016.
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The Sacramento River Cats are the Triple-A affiliate of the three-time World Champion San Francisco Giants. The team plays at Raley Field in West Sacramento, consistently voted one of the top ballparks in America. River Cats Season Tickets, Mini-Plans, and Flex Plans can be purchased for the 2017 season by calling the River Cats Ticket Hotline at (916) 371-HITS (4487). For more information about the River Cats, visit www.rivercats.com. For information on other events at Raley Field, visit www.raleyfield.com.