After a quick four-game road trip against the Salt Lake Bees in which they won three of four, the Sacramento River Cats returned home for a crucial eight-game stand.

Sacramento first are currently taking on the Colorado Springs Sky Sox in a four-game series. The series featured the top two teams in the Pacific Coast League. The festivities kicked off Saturday night at Raley Field with Youth Baseball and Softball Night, and Boy Scout Night.

Things did not go the River Cats’ way to begin the series. Starter James Simmons struggled early. He gave up eight hits and seven runs in five innings of work. The River Cats have had a knack for late-game heroics in 2009. They tried to pull off another comeback Saturday, but lost 6-5. Sunday afternoon was Bark in the Ballpark, in which fans were allowed to bring their dogs to the game. Sacramento took Game 2 of the series 6-4. They scored all six of their runs in the first inning, and starter Dana Eveland had a great outing to improve to 3-0.

On Monday, the River Cats took the early lead but once again lost it in the final few innings. However, left fielder Larry Cobb hit an RBI single to center in the bottom of the ninth to win the game 3-2.

After a day off Wednesday, the River Cats return to Raley Field Thursday for the start of a four-game set with the Tacoma Rainiers. The festivities continue with a pre-game concert featuring Michael Sea and Island Fever.

Friday June 12 is All-City High School Awards Night. The River Cats will recognize the student athletes who were selected to the Sacramento River Cats All-City High School Sports Teams.

The homestand concludes June 13 with Green Awareness Weekend and Kids Day. The River Cats need to have a good homestand because the Fresno Grizzlies trail them by only three games in the Pacific South Division. Sacramento travels to Fresno to take on the Grizzlies in a critical three-game series of this young season beginning June 15.