River Cats win a wild one thanks to offensive explosion

The Sacramento River Cats (38-55) won their third straight in a wild one on Sunday afternoon. An offensive explosion helped them go on to defeat the Salt Lake Bees (50-44) by a score of 14-11.

The River Cats allowed the first run for the first time in the series, but the game would be back and forth all day on what was a very warm Sunday afternoon in Salt Lake City. Jose Flores got the start for Sacramento, but was only able to get through four innings before giving way to the bullpen.
The offense battled through the first few innings to keep the game close before catching fire late. The early story was the home runs by Carlos Moncrief and Orlando Calixte, two-out RBI from both Jarrett Parker and Wynton Bernard, and all nine starters recording at least one hit.
However, neither bullpen could contain the red hot bats in this one, as there were a combined 15 runs scored from the 6^th inning on. The River Cats had the last laugh though when Calixte hit his second home run of the day to break an 11-11 tie in the 9^th inning. As a team, Sacramento churned out a season-high 21 hits on the day and worked five walks on the way to their 14-run outburst. Derek Law came in in the ninth to end the madness and earn his fifth save of the season.
The River Cats will fly home this evening following the game, and will welcome in the El Paso Chihuahuas tomorrow night. In the series opener, it will be left-hander Andrew Suárez (3-2, 4.20) to take the ball for Sacramento. El Paso will counter with right-hander Bryan Rodriguez (2-7, 5.63). 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
Back and forth: The Bees got on the board in the first inning, but the River Cats fought back multiple times to get their third straight victory…the game featured six lead changes and four ties before the River Cats took the lead for good in the 9^th.
Moncrief & Calixte: Carlos Moncrief had a huge day for the Sacramento, going 3-for-6 with a home run, two doubles and three RBI…Orlando Calixte answered by going 2-for-6 with two home runs (team-leading 12^th and 13^th of the season) and three RBI.
Querecuto: While seven River Cats had multi-hit games, Juniel Querecuto collected four hits, going 4-for-6 with a double, and RBI and three runs scored.
More Offense: Just about everyone had a big day offensively for Sacramento, as Wynton Bernard, Ryan Lollis, and Carlos Moncrief each had three-hit days…Chris Shaw, Moncrief, and Juniel Querecuto each scored three runs apiece…as a team, the River Cats collected five walks, eight doubles, and three home runs.
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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.