PCL1 Fresno Grizzlies

Early Lead Doesn't Hold As Fresno Loses Fourth Straight

Published on August 27, 2014 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Fresno Grizzlies News Release


MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Fresno Grizzlies (65-73) built a four-run lead heading into the sixth inning, but the Memphis Redbirds (76-61) scored four in the bottom half to tie and added three over the next two innings for a 9-6 comeback win Tuesday night at AutoZone Park.

Nick Noonan cracked a two-run homer (3) in the second to erase Fresno's 27-inning scoreless streak and give the club an early lead. The team came back in the fourth to add two runs on a Brandon Hicks RBI single and a Nick Noonan RBI ground out, pushing the lead to 4-0. After the Redbirds retaliated for two runs in the bottom of the fourth, Fresno responded by building their lead to 6-2 on a two-run single by Jarrett Parker in the fifth.

However, starter Mike Kickham (ND; 6 ER/5.2 IP) couldn't protect the lead as he failed to get out of the sixth inning. He retired the first batter of the inning, but let the next five of six batters reach base and finally exited when the fourth run of the inning crossed the plate on a RBI single by Rafael Ortega.

With the game tied 6-6, the Redbirds attacked the Fresno bullpen. Audry Perez jacked a two-out go-ahead two-run homer on a 0-2 pitch from reliever Mitchell Boggs (L, 0-1) in the seventh, while an insurance run crossed the plate in the eighth on a RBI single by Tommy Phan off right-hander Erik Cordier.

Fresno put the leadoff man aboard in the ninth when Adalberto Santos doubled to right-center, but Jorge Rondon (S, 10) retired the next three batters in order to seal the victory. The win, coupled with a loss by Nashville, gives the Redbirds a two-game lead in the American Southern Division with six to play.

The Grizzlies look to avoid the sweep tomorrow night as they send right-hander Chris Heston (11-8, 3.30) to the mound to face lefty Tim Cooney (13-6, 3.55). The series finale begins at 5:05 p.m. PT at AutoZone Park. Upon the conclusion of the game, Fresno returns home to finish the regular season with a five-game series against the Tacoma Rainiers at Chukchansi Park (August 28-September 1).

Check out the Fresno Grizzlies Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Pacific Coast League Stories from August 27, 2014


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central