PCL1 Fresno Grizzlies

Early Deficit Too Much to Overcome

Published on May 24, 2011 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Fresno Grizzlies News Release


FRESNO- Grizzlies starter Josh Banks turned in a solid start on Tuesday afternoon, but he settled in one inning too late. Oklahoma City's three-run first inning proved to be enough, as the RedHawks hung on to beat Fresno, 5-2 at Chukchansi Park.

After taking a no-hitter into the sixth inning in his previous start, Banks (3-3) was not sharp to open Tuesday's game. He allowed hits to four of the first five batters he faced, as Oklahoma City plated three runs in the top of the first inning. Koby Clemens, son of perennial All-Star Roger, did the bulk of the damage, doubling home a pair and later scoring the final run of the frame.

Fresno got on the board with a two-out rally in the third, thanks to Tyler Graham's speed. The center fielder blooped a ball just fair inside the right field foul line, and raced around to second for a double. Conor Gillaspie followed with a line drive single to right to plate Graham, getting the Grizzlies back within two at 3-1.

The Grizzlies inched closer on Terry Evans' first home run of the season, a solo shot off the gate to the Fulton Mall beyond the left field bleachers in the bottom of the fifth, cutting the margin to 3-2.

Fresno stranded a pair of runners in the fifth and two more in the seventh, as they couldn't find a way to level the score. The Grizzlies would get no closer, as Oklahoma City plated a pair in the top of the ninth off reliever Geno Espineli to provide the game's final margin.

The Grizzlies continued to struggle with runners in scoring position, going just 1-for-5 while stranding eight.

Graham had the only multi-hit game for Fresno, reaching in each of his first four plate appearances. He finished the afternoon 3-for-4 with a walk, a double and a run scored, and is now batting .429 (9-for-21) with a .555 on-base percentage for the homestand.

The Grizzlies will send right-hander Shane Loux (2-5) against the Astros top prospect, Oklahoma City southpaw Jordan Lyles (2-3) at 7:05pm on Wednesday at Chukchansi Park.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from May 24, 2011


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