McCarthy, Avelino collect two hits in 5-2 victory
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Sacramento River Cats (63-53) used a big three-run fourth inning to take control of the ballgame, going on to beat the visiting Memphis Redbirds (51-65) by a final of 5-2.
Enderson Franco was rolling through three innings before taking a 106-mile per hour line drive off the leg in the fourth inning. The right-hander fought through the pain and finished the inning, but would not come back out for the fifth. Lefty Steven Okert came on to work a one-two-three fifth inning and would go on to earn his team-leading seventh win, while submariner Tyler Rogers worked the final 1.2 innings to pick up his fifth save on the season.
The River Cats wasted little time taking the lead on Thursday and would not surrender it once they did – Francisco Pena blasted a 426-ft. solo shot in the second frame. Sacramento would expand their lead in the fourth when Joe McCarthy and Levi Michael clubbed back-to-back doubles, plating a combined three runs.
The River Cats will go for the three-game sweep of Memphis with righty Yoanys Quiala (6-7, 6.43) getting the nod. The Redbirds will counter with righty Daniel Pounce de Leon (4-4, 3.90) First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. (PT). Listen to all of the action live online at rivercats.com, on the MiLB First Pitch app, and on Money 105.5 FM.
Match Recap Courtesy of the Sacramento River Cats Media Relations