The Aviators’ skid reached three games Wednesday night as Sacramento handed Las Vegas a 9-0 loss at Sutter Health Park.
Las Vegas managed just four hits and went 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position, leaving nine on base. Sacramento, meanwhile, scored in five different innings and collected 15 hits to control the game from the start.
Early swing sets the tone
The River Cats wasted little time grabbing momentum. Jesús Rodríguez opened the scoring with a solo homer in the first inning, giving Sacramento a 1-0 lead.
The River Cats added to it in the third. Bryce Eldridge doubled home a run, and Will Brennan followed with an RBI single to stretch the advantage to 3-0. One inning later, Thomas Gavello delivered the decisive blow, launching a two-run homer to center to make it 5-0.
Joey Estes took the loss, allowing five runs over four innings.
Chances, but no breakthrough
Las Vegas had opportunities to answer but could not capitalize. The Aviators put two runners aboard in both the first and fourth innings, yet Sacramento escaped each jam without damage.
Joey Meneses, Chad Wallach, Euribiel Angeles and Michael Stefanic each recorded a hit. However, the Aviators never advanced a runner past third base after the fourth inning and were unable to generate sustained pressure.
River Cats finish it off
Sacramento added two runs in the seventh on a Brennan RBI single and a sacrifice fly. The River Cats then tacked on two more in the eighth to cap the scoring.
Brooks Kriske worked two scoreless innings in relief, while Geoff Hartlieb and Brady Basso covered the final two frames.
With the loss, Las Vegas fell to 7-5 on the season.
Up next
The Aviators continue the series in Sacramento with three more games against the River Cats. The next matchup is scheduled for Friday at 6:45 p.m. PT.
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Dice City Sports editor Mark Hebert covers the Vegas Golden Knights, Las Vegas Raiders, Athletics, and UNLV baseball and softball. He has 24 years of journalism experience, is also a senior reporter at Exhibit City News, and previously covered the Dallas Stars and Texas Rangers. Follow him on X or connect on LinkedIn.
