Beavers get four runs in the eighth, but settle for series victory over Grizzlies

Published on April 12, 2009 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Portland Beavers News Release


FRESNO, Calif. - Matt Downs, Ryan Rohlinger and Scott McLain each hit home runs and the Fresno Grizzlies held off a late rally to defeat the Portland Beavers 5-4 Sunday afternoon at Chukchansi Park.

The win spoiled the Beavers' attempt at their first road sweep since the 2004 campaign. As it stands, Portland (3-1) won a season-opening road series for the first time since the club rejoined the Pacific Coast League in 2001.

The Beavers open a four-game series at Sacramento Monday night at 7:05 p.m., and are set to kick off their home season Friday night at PGE Park against Fresno.

Fresno (1-3) built its lead to 5-0 largely on the strength of the three home runs, but the Beavers rallied for four runs in the eighth inning to cut their deficit to a run. Drew Macias scored from third on a double-play groundout, Kevin Howard added an RBI single and Chad Huffman hit his first Triple-A home run as part of the late-inning surge.

A trio of Fresno pitchers held the Beavers scoreless on just two hits over the first seven innings. Pat Misch (1-0) was credited with the win after turning in two scoreless innings, allowing no hits and just one walk.

Geno Espineli logged the final two outs to get the save for the Grizzlies (1-3), who open a four-game series with Tacoma on Monday.

Downs hit a solo homer to start the scoring in the second and Rohlinger belted a two-run shot as part of a three-run third. Including his seventh-inning solo homer, McClain was 3-for-3 with a walk, an RBI and two runs scored to lead the Grizzlies.

Portland starter Wade LeBlanc struck out six but issued three wild pitches and gave up four runs, five hits - including home runs to Downs and Rohlinger - and three walks across four innings to the take the loss.

Macias was 1-for-3 with two walks and a run scored, and Huffman collected two hits to lead the Beavers at the plate.

NOTES: The Beavers were vying for their first road sweep since a four-game blanking of the Grizzlies, Aug. 30-Sept. 2, 2004 ... Macias got his first start of the season, playing right field and batting leadoff for the Beavers.

Beavers Game File SUNDAY'S GAME: Fresno 5, Beavers 4 WINNING PITCHER: Misch (1-0) LOSING PITCHER: LeBlanc (0-1) SAVE: Espineli (1) HOME RUNS: Huffman (1), Downs (1), Rohlinger (1), McClain (1) MONDAY'S GAME: Portland (Josh Banks: NR) at Sacramento (Gio Gonzalez: NR), 7:05 p.m.; delayed audio broadcast (approximately 8:30 p.m.) on KKAD 1550 and www.portlandbeavers.com. Follow the Beavers on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PortlandBeavers.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from April 12, 2009


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