Turning point: After Tommy Everidge doubled off the center-field wall to score Eric Patterson, Daric Barton delivered a towering two-run home run to right field in the fifth inning, giving the River Cats a 3-0 lead.

Take a bow: River Cats reliever Sam Demel came on with the bases loaded and no outs in the sixth. He struck out Brian Horwitz and Steve Holm and retired Eugenio Velez on a grounder to first baseman Barton, preserving a 3-1 lead.

Who's hot: The River Cats won their fourth consecutive game, sweeping the three-game series with Fresno to stretch their lead in the Pacific Coast League's Pacific South Division to nine games over the Grizzlies.

Who's not: Fresno has lost five of its last seven games.

Major league moment: River Cats starter Dana Eveland escaped a bases-loaded, one-out jam in the fifth inning when Barton fielded Kevin Frandsen's sharply hit grounder to first base, tagged Emmanuel Burriss, kept his balance after bumping into the runner and threw to Eveland at first to complete a double play.

Not for the box score: Brief fireworks and a fly-over by two Air Force F-16 jets accompanied the last part of the national anthem. The postgame fireworks show capped a festive evening.

Cats' notes: The announced crowd of 14,414 marked the River Cats' third sellout this season.

Tonight's game: River Cats RHP Jerome Williams (0-3, 6.03 ERA) vs. Reno RHP Cesar Valdez (6-4, 3.91), 7:05, Aces Ballpark, Reno.

– John Schumacher

Reliever Jay Marshall is one of three River Cats who were selected as reserves for the Triple-A All-Star Game.

On the surface, it's easy to look at the evidence and wonder how the Sacramento River Cats own the best record in the Pacific Coast League.

They didn't have a player voted into the starting lineup for the Triple-A All-Star Game, ranked 11th out of 16 PCL teams in hitting (.262), and were a modest sixth in home runs (67) before a 5-1 victory over Fresno on Thursday night at Raley Field.

Dig a little deeper, though, and discover an abundance of reasons the River Cats own a 50-30 record and an eight-game lead over Fresno in the PCL South.

Their bullpen has been stellar, a big factor in a 3.80 ERA that ranked second in the PCL. They boast a 16-7 record in one-run games, and won 10 of 11 games in a recent stretch before cooling off with a 4-5 record in their past nine contests.

And then there are the intangibles.

River Cats outfielder Matt Carson, who played on minor league championship teams in Staten Island (2002), Trenton, N.J., (2007) and Scranton-Wilkes Barre (2008), said clubhouse chemistry is helping Sacramento move into position to pursue a third consecutive PCL crown and its fifth league title in seven seasons.

"Guys are out here having fun," he said. "We get along real well. I've been on teams where everybody, individuals worry about their own numbers. Here, everybody's pulling for each other.

"That's a big part of it."

Infielder-outfielder Eric Patterson, who with catcher Eric Munson and reliever Jay Marshall was selected as a reserve for the Triple-A All-Star Game, said the team's past success also has an impact.

"You kind of understand the tradition here," Patterson said. "You don't want to be that team that drops the ball."

Pitching has provided the foundation. Former starters Vince Mazzaro (2-2, 2.38 ERA) and Gio Gonzalez (4-1, 2.51) delivered several quality starts before being called up to Oakland. Dana Eveland (6-1, 3.62) anchors the current rotation.

The bullpen has also been highly effective, with left-handers Marshall (3-1, 1.72) and Brad Kilby (2-2, 2.59) and right-hander Jeff Gray (2-2, 2.12, 10 saves) helping close out games.

"I think our bullpen is one of the best in the league," River Cats manager Tony DeFrancesco said. "We can match up, lefty-righty. I like our chances with a lead late in the game."

Defense has helped, too. The River Cats lead the league in fielding percentage (.982).

"You've got to score runs, but winning a championship usually comes down to pitching and defense," Carson said.

Patterson, who with Munson supplies clubhouse leadership, has been the River Cats' most productive offensive player, hitting .308 with a team-high 55 runs and 27 stolen bases.

But others have made timely contributions, whether it's Carson's team-high 12 home runs and 39 RBIs, Tommy Everidge's .349 average and 15 RBIs in 22 games, Cunningham's .304 average or Cliff Pennington's .284 average and 24 stolen bases.

"Every day, someone else picks up," DeFrancesco said. "It's a whole team effort."

And an ever-changing cast. The River Cats have had 107 player transactions since Opening Day.

No matter the lineup, the River Cats often find a way to win.

"Winning is contagious," DeFrancesco said. "When you win, it seems like guys have big years. Everybody fits in.

"It's a good environment to play in."

Three River Cats – outfielder-infielder Eric Patterson, catcher Eric Munson and relief pitcher Jay Marshall – were selected Wednesday to play in the Triple-A All-Star Game on July 15 at PGE Park in Portland, Ore.

All three were chosen by league managers, media and fans as reserves for the Pacific Coast League team that will take on the International League in the 22nd annual game.

"It's hard to get three guys on an All-Star team," said River Cats manager Tony DeFrancesco, whose team's 49-30 record is the best in the PCL. "They're well-deserving, all the guys. I'm excited for them."

Colorado Springs and Salt Lake also placed three players on the PCL All-Star team.

River Cats hitting coach Brian McArn will help coach the PCL team.

Entering Wednesday night's 4-3 victory over Fresno, Patterson was hitting .308 with 27 stolen bases, Munson was batting .275 with 38 RBIs, and Marshall owned a 3-1 record with a 1.75 ERA.

"I was pretty excited," Marshall said of his first All-Star nod. "It's going to be a pretty cool experience. I just go out there and try to do my job. This is, I guess, a good payoff for it."

Patterson called his second All-Star selection "a tremendous honor."

Munson, who was called up to the majors before he could play after his only previous All-Star selection, also sounded happy to be chosen.

"It's great," he said. "Any time you get nominated for something like that, obviously it's an honor."

Turning point: Leading 2-0 in the sixth, the River Cats loaded the bases on a hit, a walk and a Las Vegas error. Eric Patterson followed with a sharp ground ball that 51s first baseman Brett Harper deflected but couldn't field, scoring a run. Sacramento finished with three runs in the inning – all unearned.

Take a bow: River Cats starter Chad Reineke threw seven scoreless innings, allowing five hits and striking out four. The right-hander earned his second victory in three starts.

Singles night: Ten of the River Cats' 11 hits were singles. The only extra-base hit they managed was left fielder Chris Denorfia's double, which drove in Sacramento's first run in the fourth inning.

Ejected: Cats left-hander Brad Kilby was tossed in the eighth inning. He gave up both Las Vegas runs on three hits in two- thirds of an inning. Ryan Webb relieved Kilby and allowed a hit before getting out of the inning.

Upcoming: Tonight, River Cats RHP Shawn Chacon (1-1, 3.46 ERA) vs. Fresno RHP Ramón Ortiz (1-1, 2.96), 7:05, Raley Field.

– Bee Sports staff

Who's hot: Las Vegas' Joey Inglett, formerly of Mesa Verde High School, went 3 for 4 with one RBI. The River Cats' Tommy Everidge drove in both his team's runs with a groundout and an eighth-inning homer.

Still winless: River Cats starter Jerome Williams gave up seven hits and three runs in 6 2/3 innings and fell to 0-3.

Back in action: Eric Patterson, who had missed the previous three games after injuring the ring finger on his left hand, returned to the River Cats' lineup and went 0 for 4.

Upcoming: Today, River Cats RHP Chad Reineke (1-3, 4.55 ERA) vs. Las Vegas LHP David Purcey (2-1, 4.08), 7:05, Cashman Field, Las Vegas.

– Bee Sports staff

Turning point: The River Cats blew a 3-0 lead in the middle innings. Las Vegas scored twice in the fourth and four times in the fifth.

Who's hot: The River Cats' Matt Carson hit his team-high 12th homer, a solo drive in the third.

Who's not: River Cats starter Dana Eveland suffered his first loss, giving up eight hits and six runs in 4 2/3 innings.

No KO: The River Cats pressured Las Vegas starter Brian Burres early, getting seven hits and three runs off him in the first three innings. But Burres recovered, retiring nine consecutive batters at one point and going seven innings to pick up the victory.

Cats note: Eric Patterson missed his third game in a row after injuring the ring finger on his left hand Thursday.

Upcoming: Today, River Cats RHP Jerome Williams (0-2, 6.57 ERA) vs. Las Vegas LHP Marc Rzepczynski (0-1, 0.00), 7:05, Cashman Field, Las Vegas.

– Bee Sports staff

Turning point: The River Cats took control with four runs in the second inning, highlighted by Matt Carson's two-out, three-run double.

Take a bow: Carson went 2 for 5 with two doubles and five RBIs to help the River Cats end a three-game losing streak.

Who's hot: The River Cats' batters, who produced 15 hits, including homers by Aaron Cunningham and Travis Buck. Cunningham hit an inside-the-park homer on a drive to left-center field leading off the seventh. Buck hit a two-run homer in the ninth.

Cats note: Eric Patterson missed his second game in a row after injuring the ring finger on his left hand Thursday.

Upcoming: Today, River Cats LHP Dana Eveland (6-0, 3.45 ERA) vs. Las Vegas LHP Brian Burres (4-6, 4.99), 12:05, Cashman Field, Las Vegas.

– Bee Sports staff

The sky's the limit for Cats first baseman Tommy Everidge, called up from Midland on June 9.

The list of talented first basemen who've produced for the River Cats carries more than a little punch.

Graham Koonce hit 34 home runs and drove in 115 runs in earning the Pacific Coast League's MVP award in 2003. Dan Johnson delivered 29 homers and 111 RBIs to claim the same honor a year later, with Daric Barton contributing a team-high 38 doubles and 70 RBIs in 2007.

All three helped Sacramento claim PCL championships. Since Barton was called up to Oakland on June 8, Tommy Everidge has been working hard to leave his own legacy.

The 6-foot, 244-pound first baseman hasn't flinched since coming up from Double-A Midland on June 9. He's hitting .350 with three home runs and 10 RBIs in 16 games, helping the River Cats go 10-6 since he stepped into the lineup.

After getting just two hits in his first 20 at-bats, the right-handed Everidge has gone 19 for 40 (.475), giving the Cats a welcome power source.

If he can join Koonce, Johnson and Barton in River Cats lore, all the better.

"That would be nice if I played well enough to be considered pretty good at that position," Everidge said before contributing two doubles and a single in a 3-2 loss to Colorado Springs on Friday night at Raley Field.

Everidge, a Sonoma Valley High School graduate who played at Sonoma State, put up good numbers in working his way to the River Cats.

He hit 26 home runs with 90 RBIs at Class-A Stockton in 2007, and added 22 homers and 115 RBIs last season at Double-A Midland. He had eight homers and 53 RBIs in 55 games with Midland this season before joining the Cats.

Manager Tony DeFrancesco has been more than happy to put Everidge's name in the lineup.

"He's got some big hits for us," DeFrancesco said. "He brings power, the ability to drive in runs. He's a gap hitter."

And a welcome addition to a tight-knit clubhouse.

"He's a great guy, a great teammate," said River Cats infielder-outfielder Eric Patterson. "He definitely helps us out a lot."

Everidge, 26, said he's comfortable in Triple A.

"I'm just trying to play the same game I was playing in Midland," he said. "I think it's just all coming together at once. … It's kind of been rewarding."

Everidge said he's striving to be more consistent, a goal that includes being more selective at the plate.

"Early in my career, I tried to hit home runs on balls; you can't hit it out on certain pitches," he said. "I think I understand what kind of hitter I am. I'm big enough to do what I do as long as I keep the right mental approach.

"The more you play and the more you move up, you realize success kind of starts with what's going on in your head."

Everidge said he was thrilled to join the River Cats and play near home. His parents, Will and Chris, sisters Katie and Carly and other family members and friends have provided plenty of support. So has his fiancée, Kellie.

"It's just awesome to come back home," he said. "I like the weather. I like the people. It's just a comfortable fit."

In the offseason, Everidge gives hitting lessons to kids.

"I really enjoy that," he said. "I kind of like the innocence. They're just playing it when it's a game."

Everidge was on the River Cats' roster for their final two playoff games two years ago but didn't play. He did get a taste of a team claiming a title, though.

" … I've never won a championship," he said. "That was just great. It makes you want to do that."

Tommy Everidge has been in full swing after a slow start with the River Cats. He's hitting .350 with three home runs and 10 RBIs in 16 games after going 3 for 4 Friday night against Colorado Springs at Raley Field, helping Sacramento go 10-6 since he stepped into the lineup.

Turning point: Colorado Springs produced the only run it needed in the third inning, with Jonathan Herrera drawing a walk, stealing second and scoring on shortstop Cliff Pennington's fielding error.

Take a bow: Sky Sox starter Adam Eaton (3-0, 0.95 ERA) allowed three hits and no runs in six innings. He struck out five and walked one.

Who's hot: The River Cats' bullpen didn't allow a hit or a run in 4 1/3 innings, with Chris Schroder, Brad Kilby, Ryan Webb and Jay Marshall combining to strike out five and walk one.

Who's not: Sacramento left fielder Chris Denorfia went 0 for 4 and has one hit in his past 13 at-bats.

Major-league moment: Denorfia came up with a diving catch of Matt Murton's fly ball near the left-field line in the second inning.

Not for the box score: The loss ended the River Cats' seven-game winning streak. Sacramento has won 10 of its past 12 games.

Cats' notes: The A's called up left-handed pitcher Gio Gonzalez, who was 4-1 with a 2.51 ERA. The River Cats called up right-handed pitcher Sam Demel from Double-A Midland and added right-handed pitcher Steven Sharpe from the temporarily inactive list before sending him to Midland.

Upcoming: Tonight, River Cats' RHP Chad Reineke (1-2, 4.67 ERA) vs. Colorado Springs RHP Brandon Hynick (5-5, 4.14), 7:05, Raley Field.

– John Schumacher

Turning point: After catcher Eric Munson's two-out double in the sixth inning, first baseman Tommy Everidge crushed a 2-1 pitch from Alan Johnson over the left-field fence and off the roof of the River Cats' clubhouse, giving Sacramento a 4-1 lead.

Take a bow: River Cats starter Dana Eveland (6-0) allowed just one hit and one run in seven innings. Reliever Henry Rodriguez struck out the side in the eighth.

Who's hot: The River Cats have won seven consecutive games and 10 of their last 11. Everidge is 15 for 29 (.517) in his last eight games, with three home runs, nine RBIs and 11 runs.

Who's not: Third baseman Gregorio Petit went 0 for 2 and has four hits in his last 26 at bats.

Major league moment: River Cats second baseman Mark Ellis went behind second base to field Mike McCoy's chopper, then threw to first while moving toward left field to retire the Sky Sox in the fifth inning.

Not for the box score: Colorado Springs right fielder Matt Murton's franchise-record 29-game hitting streak ended when he flied to deep left field to lead off the ninth.

Cats notes: The River Cats improved to 5-3 against Colorado Springs, which leads the PCL Pacific North. Right fielder Travis Buck went 0 for 3, ending his 11-game hitting streak.

Upcoming: Today, River Cats LHP Gio Gonzalez (4-1, 2.51 ERA) vs. Colorado Springs RHP Adam Eaton (2-0, 1.38), 11:35 a.m., Raley Field.

– John Schumacher

River Cats hitting coach Brian McArn, wields a sledge hammer prior to a recent game at Raley Field. He sometimes has players use the hammer to hit baseballs from a tee instead of a bat. McArn is a former Sacramento State coach who has had a lot of success with the A's Triple-A affiliate but with little fanfare.

Ask around the batting cage, and River Cats players don't hesitate to share why they like hitting coach Brian McArn so much.

He doesn't force his hitting theories on them, choosing instead to focus on their strengths in a supportive, positive and low-key manner.

"The thing I love about him … he's not cookie cutter," outfielder-infielder Eric Patterson said. "He takes what you do and what you do well, and he works with it and he works to improve it.

"He kind of gives you freedom: 'OK, if that's what you want to do, let's work toward getting yourself in good position to make that successful.' "

McArn's methods have been paying big dividends lately, helping the River Cats win nine of their last 10 games.

After hitting .224 in April and .271 in May, the River Cats are batting .296 in June, raising their team average to .265 entering tonight's 7:05 contest against Colorado Springs at Raley Field.

His players aren't the only ones who think highly of McArn. The former Davis High School and American River College standout was chosen to serve as hitting coach for the Pacific Coast League in the Triple-A All-Star Game on July 15 in Portland, Ore.

"It's a privilege," McArn said.

And one he's earned.

"He's got what it takes to be a good hitting coach at this level," River Cats manager Tony DeFrancesco said. "There's never any sense of panic.

"He has a relationship with each player, finds out what each player is trying to do. He keeps it simple. He's doing a good job of preparing the players."

Outfielder Danny Putnam said he appreciated McArn's willingness to focus on what each player needs.

"He does a good job of bringing things back to a few basic principles that work," Putnam said. "He doesn't have a straight-line agenda. The guys have a lot of respect for that. I certainly do."

McArn, 39, said he'd rather focus on what's working for a hitter rather than harp on weaknesses or push something uncomfortable on a player.

"You can't robot guys," said McArn, in his fifth season with the River Cats. "I know there's certain things you have to do in hitting, but you also have to take into account what they do well.

"I try to study each guy and study what they do well and learn from their swings when they're going good. When things go bad (you say), 'Hey, this is what you were doing when you were hitting well.' "

McArn also tries to take an upbeat approach, even when hitters are struggling.

"It's (that) a lot more is psychological at this level," said McArn, who learned about the mental part of the game while playing at Nebraska under coach John Sanders.

"Their confidence a lot of times is more important than what their swing is doing.

"If I just concentrate on what they're doing right … They've got the ability to make adjustments and get back to where they need to be."

McArn, who enjoys hunting and fishing, said he's constantly learning from his players.

"Putnam teaches me something new every day about hitting," he said. "You've got to welcome players to see different things. The many different points of view you can get, the better. They hear it from a fellow player, it sinks in in a different way."

McArn, a former outfielder, spent two injury-plagued seasons in the A's organization before his playing career ended.

After surgery on his left shoulder limited his throwing ability, McArn took a line drive in the face while running the bases during batting practice, was knocked unconscious and suffered a broken nose, shattered cheekbone and cracked eye socket.

"Just one of those freak accidents," he said. "I spent my whole life playing ball. I got an opportunity to sign, and I don't regret any of it."

McArn, who lives in Elk Grove with his wife, Cancy, and their three sons – Brian, 17; Bryson, 8; and Brevon, 6 – said he'd love to earn a spot in the major leagues.

But he considers the River Cats a special gig.

"It's probably the best job you could have in baseball," he said. "One of the nicest parks in the country, the front office here is great to work with. They take care of us. I couldn't ask for a better place to work, and living at home, you don't see that very often.

"I have aspirations to be in the major leagues, but I'll take this for the rest of my life as well."

Outfielder Larry Cobb, who has played for the River Cats this season, was suspended for 50 games Monday after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug.

Cobb, 23, tested positive for amphetamines in violation of the minor league drug program. He is a Bradenton, Fla., native who played at the College of Charleston.

Cobb started the season with Class-A Stockton and was promoted to the River Cats on May 4. He since has been shuttled between the River Cats and Ports.

He has had 25 at-bats with the Cats, hitting .240 in 10 games. He also has batted .221 for Stockton with three homers and five RBIs in 68 at-bats.

Cobb played his last six games for the River Cats, going 4 for 16 with his last game June 9. He has since been placed on the Stockton roster.

– Bill Bradley, Sports Editor

Turning point: After pinch runner Chris Denorfia scored the tying run on a wild pitch by Salt Lake reliever Jeremy Hill, Matt Carson was intentionally walked to load the bases with one out in the ninth inning. Shortstop Cliff Pennington's sacrifice fly to deep right field then put an exclamation point on a dramatic victory.

Take a bow: First baseman Tommy Everidge delivered a two-run home run in the seventh and a single in the pivotal two-run Cats ninth.

Who's hot: The River Cats have won six consecutive games and nine of their last 10.

Who's not: The Bees have lost five consecutive games.

Major league moment: Center fielder Carson charged hard before coming up with a diving catch of Terry Evans' fly ball in the third.

Not for the box score: The River Cats recorded their 50th regular-season sellout in their 10 seasons at Raley Field, drawing an announced Father's Day crowd of 14,414.

Cats' notes: The River Cats enjoy a rare day off today before playing games on 20 consecutive days before the All-Star break.

Upcoming: Tuesday, River Cats LHP Dana Eveland (5-0, 3.74 ERA), vs. Colorado Springs RHP Alan Johnson, (7-2, 6.21), 7:05 p.m., Raley Field.

– John Schumacher

Turning point: The River Cats took a 6-5 lead in the fifth after Eric Patterson singled, stole second and scored on Mark Ellis' single to center.

Take a bow: The Cats have won eight of their last nine games to improve to 44-25, the best record in the Pacific Coast League.

Who's hot: Patterson homered and added three singles; he's 7 for 10 in his last two games. Travis Buck's seventh-inning double extended his hitting streak to 10 games.

Who's not: Third baseman Gregorio Petit committed two errors and was 0 for 4. He has three hits in his last 24 at-bats.

Major league moment: River Cats manager Tony DeFrancesco spent plenty of time arguing with third-base umpire Casey Moser after he was ejected for challenging an out call on Chris Denorfia's attempted steal of second base to end the second inning.

Not for the box score: A limited number of grass seats remained available for today's Father's Day game, which is likely to sell out.

Cats notes: To make room for right-handed pitcher Shawn Chacon, the River Cats placed right-handed pitcher Steven Sharpe on the temporarily inactive list.

Upcoming: Today, River Cats RHP James Simmons (2-4, 5.80 ERA) vs. Salt Lake RHP Trevor Bell (1-0, 0.00), 1:05 p.m., Raley Field.

– John Schumacher

Turning point: Aaron Cunningham's two-run home run to left field in the fourth inning gave the River Cats a 6-2 cushion.

Take a bow: The River Cats' offense has produced 38 runs and 45 hits in the last three games.

Who's hot: Eric Patterson went 3 for 5, boosting his batting average to .317. Travis Buck was 2 for 4, extending his hitting streak to nine games.

Who's not: Salt Lake pitchers have given up 19 runs and 24 hits in the last two games.

Major league moment: Cunningham tripled into the left-field corner in the eighth, driving in the River Cats' final run.

Not for the box score: Pitcher Shawn Chacon, an All-Star with the Colorado Rockies in 2003, is scheduled to officially join the River Cats in time to start tonight. He posted a 3-3 record with a 4.29 ERA this season with Newark of the Atlantic League.

Cats' notes: Outfielder Chris Denorfia rejoined the team after 10 days with the A's. Infielder Jeff Baisley was placed on the disabled list with lower back tightness.

Upcoming: Tonight, River Cats' RHP Chacon (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. Salt Lake RHP David Austen (2-3, 6.46), 7:05, Raley Field

– John Schumacher

Oakland's Mark Ellis has been hobbled by a strained left calf.

Mark Ellis handled the question like a sharply hit grounder, swallowing it up without struggle or hesitation.

What will it take for him to know he's ready to return to the major leagues?

"In the field, I already feel like I am," said Ellis, the A's second baseman who began a rehabilitation assignment Thursday with the River Cats.

His glove has carried him a long way, so it's no surprise Ellis feels his defense is back to major league caliber. The bat remains a work in progress, though, as he works his way back from a strained left calf that put him on the disabled list April 29.

After a six-week layoff and two five-inning stints at Class-A Stockton, Ellis returned to his old Triple-A team by going 0 for 4 in a 9-0 victory over Salt Lake at Raley Field.

"It's going good," said Ellis, who has been running and lifting weights to prepare for his return to the field. "My calf feels really good. My body feels great."

Ellis, 32, is scheduled to come off the disabled list on June 28 after being with the River Cats through their current eight-game homestand.

Getting comfortable at the plate will be a big goal in that stretch.

"Not necessarily hits, just having good at-bats," Ellis said. "Seeing the ball good, squaring the ball up. That's basically the key."

Ellis, a career .264 hitter in six-plus seasons with the A's, hit .316 in 2005 but just .206 in 18 games this season. His 19 home runs in 2007 set a single-season team record for second basemen.

He has maintained a .989 fielding percentage, which entering 2009 was the fourth-best mark among second basemen in major league history.

"I know that's why I'm where I'm at, because of my defense," he said. "Offense will come and go every once in awhile.

"Especially the young pitchers we have, I know they need guys behind them to play defense. … It's a big role for me. I take a lot of pride in it."

Despite his prowess in the field, Ellis hasn't won a Gold Glove, voted on by managers and coaches.

"It would be great," he said. "That's not my goal every year. … I have no control over it. People who vote, they have reasons for who they vote for."

River Cats manager Tony DeFrancesco, who watched Ellis play every day last season as an A's coach, said Ellis would play seven innings in his first two games and then nine innings until he returns to Oakland.

"Elly's been around awhile; he knows what it takes to get better," DeFrancesco said. "Hopefully he can find his stroke quick here.

"He's solid, nothing flashy, makes all the routine plays. Unfortunately, he's come up short of that Gold Glove every year. … I think he should have had it the last couple years."

Ellis played for the River Cats in 2001, hitting .273, then was called up after 21 games the following season. He returned for a four-game rehab assignment in 2006.

He was voted by fans onto the River Cats' all-time team announced Wednesday.

"It's a nice, beautiful ballpark," Ellis said. "The fans are great. … If you have to rehab, if you have to come down and play some games, this is a great place.

"We had a great team, some good ballplayers, a lot of fun. … Every weekend game was packed. Even weekday games, we were getting crowds.

"It was a really good place to play Triple-A baseball."

Jeff Gray sounded honored after landing a spot on the River Cats' all-time team.

"All I can say is, 'Wow,' " said Gray, chosen by fans as one of two relievers on the 10th anniversary team announced Wednesday.

"Being a part of that team right there is pretty amazing. Look at some of those guys; a bunch of All-Stars right there.

"Incredible players. I'm glad to be a part of it."

Gray, who has spent most of the past 2 1/2 seasons in Sacramento, is the only current River Cat on the all-time team. Second baseman Mark Ellis, who is scheduled to begin a rehabilitation assignment tonight with the River Cats at Raley Field, also made the team.

Fans selected current River Cats skipper Tony DeFrancesco as manager.

Shortstop Bobby Crosby was the leading vote getter, with 73 percent of fans choosing the A's infielder. First baseman Daric Barton, recently recalled from Sacramento to Oakland, and third baseman Eric Hinske round out the infield.

Eric Byrnes, Nick Swisher and Hiram Bocachica landed the three outfield spots, with Kurt Suzuki the choice at catcher.

Barry Zito, Rich Harden and Justin Duchscherer form the three-man starting rotation, with Brad Ziegler joining Gray in the bullpen.

"A great list of guys right there," said DeFrancesco, whose 5 1/2 seasons with the River Cats includes Pacific Coast League titles in 2003, 2004 and 2007.

"A lot of good memories for me in the organization."

Those who didn't make the team include four PCL MVPs: first basemen Graham Koonce (2003) and Dan Johnson (2004); shortstop José Ortiz (2000); and third baseman Scott McClain (2006).

"We left some pretty good players off the list," DeFrancesco said.

And put some pretty talented ones on it.

Zito won the American League Cy Young Award in 2002 and was an All-Star in 2002, 2003 and 2006; Duchscherer was an All-Star in 2005 and 2008; and Hinske (2002) and Crosby (2004) earned A.L. Rookie of the Year honors.

"Ten years of ballplayers like that, All-Stars, hopefully some Hall of Famers in there down the road," DeFrancesco said. "Just a great group of guys that competed here and went on to the major leagues to have great careers."

When the River Cats' Eric Patterson led off Wednesday night's game with a home run, little did anyone know it was just the beginning.

Sacramento set a team record with eight homers in a 19-3 drubbing of the host Fresno Grizzlies, who had no homers with only an 8-mph wind blowing out. The previous record was six against Memphis in 2006.

The River Cats, who collected 21 hits, fell short of the Pacific Coast League record of 10 home runs by the Phoenix Giants in a seven-inning game against the Sacramento Solons in 1974.

When Aaron Cunningham, Tommy Everidge and Anthony Recker homered, the latter two consecutively, for the Cats in the fourth inning, it tied a team mark of three home runs in one inning set six times before this season.

Cunningham and Patterson each homered twice for Sacramento. Also connecting for the River Cats were Matt Carson and Cliff Pennington.

The River Cats' record for runs in a game is 23 at Las Vegas in 2004 19 runs, and the team mark for hits in a game is 24 at Las Vegas in 2005.

A look at the River Cats' all-time team, with years played and percentage of fan votes received:

Manager: Tony DeFrancesco, 2003-07, 200949%

Catcher: Kurt Suzuki, 200749%

1B: *Daric Barton, 2006-0951%

2B: *Mark Ellis, 2001-02, 200656%

3B: Eric Hinske, 200130%

SS: *Bobby Crosby, 2003, 200573%

OF: *Nick Swisher, 2004-0515%

OF: Eric Byrnes, 2000-0255%

OF: Hiram Bocachica, 2005-076%

SP: Barry Zito, 200028%

SP: *Rich Harden, 2003-0826%

SP: *Justin Duchscherer, 2002-03, 2006, 200813%

RP: Brad Ziegler, 2006-0826%

RP: Jeff Gray, 2007-0925%

Source: River Cats; *includes rehabilitation stints

When the River Cats' Eric Patterson led off Wednesday night's game with a home run, little did anyone know it was just the beginning.

Sacramento set a team record with eight homers in a 19-3 drubbing of the host Fresno Grizzlies, who had no homers with only an 8 mph wind blowing out. The previous record was six against Memphis in 2006.

The River Cats, who collected 21 hits, fell short of the Pacific Coast League record of 10 home runs by the Phoenix Giants in a seven-inning game against the Sacramento Solons in 1974.

When Aaron Cunningham, Tommy Everidge and Anthony Recker homered, the latter two consecutively, for the Cats in the fourth inning, it tied a team mark of three home runs in one inning set six times before this season.

Cunningham and Patterson each homered twice for Sacramento. Also connecting for the River Cats were Matt Carson and Cliff Pennington.

The River Cats' record for runs in a game is 23 in Las Vegas in 2004, and the team mark for hits in a game is 24 in Las Vegas in 2005.