The Sacramento River Cats clinched their 10th PCL South Division title in 12 seasons with an 15-2 victory against the host Tucson Padres on Tuesday night. The River Cats are the first team in major American professional sports (MLB, NHL, NBA and NFL) to win 10 division championships this century. Sacramento has also matched the Pacific Coast League record for consecutive division titles with five. The Albuquerque Isotopes are the only other team in league history to win five division titles in a row, accomplishing the feat between 1987 and 1991.

Sacramento struck for three runs in the first inning and starter Travis Banwart made that lead hold up, allowing two runs (none earned) over seven innings. River Cat right fielder Jai Miller hit his 30th home run of the year in the third inning, putting Sacramento ahead 5-2. Miller is the third player in franchise history to hit 30 home runs in a season, joining Graham Koonce (34 home runs, 2003) and Chris Carter (31 home runs, 2010).

By clinching the South Division title the River Cats earn a PCL playoff berth. The River Cats will host games 3, 4 and 5 (Sept. 9, 10 and 11) of the five-game Pacific Conference Championship Series at Raley Field (Games 4 and 5 if necessary). Games 1 and 2 would be played on the road. If the season ended today, the River Cats' first-round opponent would be the rival Reno Aces (Triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks).

If the River Cats advance to the PCL Championship Series (also a best-of-five format) they would again host games 3, 4 and 5 (Sept. 16, 17 and 18) at Raley Field (Games 4 and 5 if necessary). Games 1 and 2 would be played on the road. If the River Cats were to win this series and be crowned Pacific Coast League Champions, they would then play the International League Champion in the Triple-A Baseball National Championship Game in Albuquerque, NM, on Tuesday, September 20.

-rivercats.com