The Beavers win big over the Panthers as City drops its second consecutive Big 8 series; Portwood went 2x3 and drove in the first run of the game
American River Dominates Sacramento City in 16-2 Victory
American River exploded offensively on April 4, 2025, overwhelming Sacramento City with a 16-2 win at home. Fueled by a five-run first inning and 15 total hits, the Beavers never looked back in the lopsided contest.
Early Trouble for Sac City
Sacramento City struck first in the top of the first inning, as Joseph Portwood singled home Jackson Blakley to give the Panthers a brief 1-0 lead. But that lead was short-lived, as American River responded with five runs in the bottom half, capitalizing on two wild pitches and a sacrifice fly to go ahead 5-1.
Reynolds and Pope Lead the Charge
American River's Jayden Reynolds was electric at the plate, going 4-for-5 with 3 RBIs and three runs scored. His RBI double in the first tied the game, and he kept the pressure on all night. Rylan Pope also delivered with a pair of hits and three RBIs, including a two-run single in the seventh that extended the lead to double digits.
Defensive Struggles Plague Panthers
Sac City couldn't recover from its early deficit and was hindered by seven defensive errors, which led to nine unearned runs. Brady Wilson drove in the team's second run in the fourth, reaching on an error that scored Portwood, but the Panthers' offense stalled from there.
Beavers' Pitching Shuts it Down
The American River pitching staff was solid throughout, with starter Eli Campbell tossing three strong innings before handing things off to Quincey Carr (W, 1-0) and Kaedin Bulock (Sv, 1), who combined to hold the Panthers to just one earned run while striking out five over the final six frames.
Key Performances:
American River:
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Jayden Reynolds – 4-for-5, 3 RBIs, 3 R
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Rylan Pope – 2-for-4, 3 RBIs, 2 R
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Ramon Esparza – 2-for-5, 2 RBIs
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Quincey Carr (W, 1-0) – 2.0 IP, 3 H, 1 R (0 ER), 3 SO
Sacramento City:
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Joseph Portwood – 2-for-3, 1 RBI, 1 R
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Levi Sotomayor – 2-for-5
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Jackson Blakley – 1-for-3, 1 3B, 1 R
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Joe Muraoka (L, 2-3) – 0.0 IP, 3 H, 5 ER
