WEST SACRAMENTO, CA - The Sacramento River Cats (43-63) could not get the bats going against the suddenly streaking Iowa Cubs (39-66) as they dropped their seventh straight game by a score of 2-0 behind local product Jordan Johnson's best start of the season.Johnson looked dominant early, allowing just two

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA - The Sacramento River Cats (43-63) could not get the bats going against the suddenly streaking Iowa Cubs (39-66) as they dropped their seventh straight game by a score of 2-0 behind local product Jordan Johnson 's best start of the season.

Johnson looked dominant early, allowing just two baserunners through the first three innings and striking out two. Control became an issue in the fourth, however, as the righty walked three batters including one that forced in the first run of the game. Johnson gave way to the bullpen after five innings, allowing just the one run overall on two hits with four walks and five strikeouts.

San Francisco Giants second baseman Joe Panik played all nine innings in the field on Saturday and made four plate appearances. He finished 1-for-4 with a single to right field and a strikeout, and turned a slick double play in the ninth inning.

The River Cats failed to dent the scoreboard for the sixth time this season as they managed to scatter just six singles in the game. Their best opportunity came in the sixth inning when Grégor Blanco singled to right with Jerry Sands at second base. Unfortunately the throw from Cubs right-fielder Jacob Hannemann came home in time to cut Sands down at the plate.

These two teams will be back at it again tomorrow for a Sunday matinee. Right-hander Casey Kelly (9-8, 4.76) makes his league-leading 22nd start of the season for the River Cats, and the Cubs counter with right-hander Casey Coleman (2-2, 5.40). First pitch is set for 1:05 p.m. (PT). Catch all of the action live online at rivercats.com, on the MiLB First Pitch app, and on the air on Money 105.FM.

Additional Notes



The River Cats were just 1-for-5 with runners in scoring position on Saturday and left nine runners on base. Overall they are hitting .279 with runners in scoring position this season.

For the first time since July 3 the River Cats finished without an extra base hit. The game from July 3 against Fresno was starter Jordan Johnson's Triple-A debut and his only other home start.

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