WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif.-After winning their eighth PCL South Division championship in 10 years, the Sacramento River Cats (86-57) are headed to the postseason, yet again.

Sacramento is taking on the Tacoma Rainiers (74-70) of the Pacific North Division. They were 9-7 against the Rainiers in the regular season. The River Cats’ pursuit of a third straight Pacific Coast League and Triple-A title got off to a good start on Wednesday.

Veteran right-hander Chris Gissell had one of his best performances on the mound this season. He gave up seven hits and two earned runs and had six strikeouts in five innings of work. Brett Wallace and Chris Carter both hit home runs as Sacramento cruised to an 8-2 victory over Tacoma for a 1-0 series lead.

The best-of-five series continues Thursday night as Chad Reineke (9-4, 4.75) takes the mound for the River Cats. Reineke will face Garrett Olson (2-3, 4.94) of the Rainiers. If Sacramento were to win that game, they would have a chance to sweep the series at Raley Field on Family Fun Friday at 7:05 p.m. Even if Sacramento does not clinch the series on Friday, the River Cats will have a chance to win the series Saturday at 7:05 p.m. or Sunday at 1:05 p.m.

If the River Cats win their first round series against Tacoma they will face the winner of the Memphis Redbirds-Albuquerque Isotopes series.

If Sacramento can advance to the PCL Championship Series they will play the first two games on the road Sept. 15 and 16. The River Cats would once again have a chance to win the series at home as games 3 (Sept. 18), 4 (Sept. 19) and 5 (Sept. 20) will be at Raley Field.

If the River Cats win the PCL Championship Series they will advance to the Tripe-A Championship Game in Oklahoma City, Okla. On Sept. 22. The game will air on ESPN2.

The River Cats promotional schedule will be the same during the playoffs.

PCL Pacific Conference Championship Series (Round 1)
Gm. 1: RIVER CATS 8, RAINIERS 2 (Cats lead series 1-0)
Gm. 2: Thursday, Sept. 10 at Tacoma (7 p.m.)
Gm. 3: Friday, Sept. 11 at Raley Field (7:05 p.m.)
Gm. 4: Sat., Sept. 12 at Raley Field (7:05 p.m.) - if necessary
Gm. 5: Sun., Sept. 13 at Raley Field (1:05 p.m.) - if necessary