Sacramento Turns To Banwart To Turn Tide Again
In the Pacific Coast League semifinal series, the Sacramento River Cats returned to Raley Field looking listless and facing a 0-2 deficit in their best-of-five series versus the Reno Aces. Backed by a strong Game Three start by Travis Banwart, the River Cats cruised to three straight victories and advanced to the Pacific Coast League finals. They will be looking for a repeat of that formula this weekend.
The River Cats dropped the first two games of the PCL finals to the Omaha Storm Chasers earlier this week. The second defeat was a blowout, with Sacramento dropping a 15-4 decision.
In Game Three, the River Cats will have to defeat top Royals' prospect Mike Montgomery. Should the series extend past Game Three, the River Cats will go with Carlos Hernandez in Game Four and Lenny DiNardo in the decisive Game Five.
Ports Fall In Game One
On the road to start their best-of-five series versus the Lake Elsinore Storm, the Stockton Ports were shutout in Game One of the Cal League finals. The Storm took a 2-0 lead in the first inning and never looked back, winning 6-0. Murphy Smith took the loss for the Ports.
Stockton will send Robert Gilliam out to face Jerry Sullivan tonight in Game Two. The series returns to Stockton on Saturday.