The Sacramento River Cats split their six-game Pacific Coast League series against the Salt Lake Bees in Salt Lake City, Utah, from April 2-6, 2026, marking their seventh consecutive series split dating back to August 2024.
Sacramento dropped the opening game on April 2 by a 5-13 score after initially leading 5-3 in the fifth inning. Starter Seth Lonsway pitched three scoreless innings, allowing one hit and no strikeouts. The bullpen allowed 10 runs in the seventh and eighth innings with Trent Harris and Nick Zwack contributing to the runs surrendered. Buddy Kennedy stood out offensively with a 4-for-4 performance including an RBI double and a walk, registering his first four-hit game since July 2024. The team committed four errors in the contest, affecting their overall defense.
In the April 3 game, Sacramento won 10-5 in a game called early due to weather. John Michael Bertrand started, allowing two runs (one earned) on six hits over four innings while striking out four. Grant McCray delivered the team’s first multi-extra-base-hit and multi-RBI game of the season, driving in three runs. Thomas Gavello hit Sacramento’s first home run of the season, an opposite-field solo shot in the seventh inning.
A previously postponed game from April 2 led to a doubleheader on April 5, with Sacramento experiencing a split. They lost Game 1 by 4-5 in a walkoff fashion despite early leads in losses this season. Trevor McDonald made his first start of 2026, pitching 2.1 innings and allowing two runs. Sacramento rebounded to win Game 2, 7-1, behind a strong start from Carson Seymour who threw four scoreless innings, and relief from Wilkin Ramos who earned his first win of the season. Four River Cats recorded multi-hit games in that win.
The series finale on April 6 saw Sacramento secure a 9-5 victory. Seth Lonsway started again, allowing two runs on five hits in four innings. Will Bednar earned his first win of the season after being reinstated from the Development List, striking out three in one inning of relief. Victor Bericoto hit a two-out, three-run home run in the first inning, the second of his Triple-A career. Will Brennan also homered with a three-run shot in the ninth inning, marking his fourth career ninth-inning home run. Despite these power displays, Sacramento remains tied for last in the Pacific Coast League in home runs.
CSB Take
The Sacramento River Cats’ seventh consecutive series split highlights their competitive consistency but also reveals ongoing difficulties in securing series wins. While strong individual performances, particularly from hitters like Buddy Kennedy, Grant McCray, Victor Bericoto, and Will Brennan, have provided offensive sparks, pitching depth especially in the bullpen remains a challenge. Improving bullpen reliability and increasing home run production will be essential for Sacramento to move beyond consecutive series splits and contend effectively in the Pacific Coast League moving forward.
Source: Original report
