The Sherman Shadowcats defeated the Victoria Generals 19-5 in the opening contest of a four-game series at Riverside Stadium on Thursday. The visitors established an early advantage, scoring five runs in the top of the first inning and building a 9-0 lead before Victoria managed its first run in the fourth inning on an RBI triple by designated hitter Jeter Battles.
Victoria attempted a rally in the seventh inning, scoring two runs on an RBI double by right fielder Graham Charboneau and a wild pitch. However, Sherman responded with an eight-run eighth inning to seal the victory. The Shadowcats recorded 18 total hits, with all nine batters getting at least one hit, while Victoria managed just six.
Sherman starter Cash Coble earned the win, allowing one earned run over six innings. Generals starter Alex Renfrow took the loss, giving up six earned runs in three innings. Battles and Charboneau each recorded two hits for Victoria. The teams will play the second game of the series on Friday night before traveling to Sherman for the final two matchups.