Early Run Only Score as Grizzlies Blanked
August 18, 2011 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Fresno Grizzlies News Release
FRESNO- In a homestand that has seen two teams combine for 25 runs in a single game already, an unearned run in the first inning did not seem too grave a mistake for the Grizzlies on Wednesday night. It turned out to be the difference in the game, though, as the Round Rock staff combined on a five-hit shutout to beat Fresno, 1-0 at Chukchansi Park.
The Express (74-51) took advantage of an early Grizzlies error to get on the board in the top of the opening frame. Andrew Kown retired the first two batters he faced and had Nick Green down 0-2 before Green worked the count full and chopped a ball through the hole into left field. Edgar Gonzalez came up on the ball as he was fielding it as it skipped under his glove, allowing Green to move up to second. Brad Nelson, who had four hits, including the game-winning home run in extra innings on Tuesday night, then singled home the run to put Round Rock ahead, 1-0.
Kown (10-9) came off the mound awkwardly on a pitch to Kevin Cash to open the second inning and had to leave the game with a left oblique strain. The bullpen took over from there, combining for eight scoreless frames between four pitchers.
Round Rock had plenty of chances to add on, but left the bases loaded in the fourth and two runners apiece in the seventh, eighth and ninth innings as the Express were unable to stretch their lead.
The Grizzlies (54-71) loaded the bases in the first, but did not get another runner past second base. Fresno's best chance came as RBI leader Brett Pill batted with two on and one out in the bottom of the eighth. Former Fresno State hurler Tanner Scheppers was summoned from the bullpen to face Pill, and got him to ground into an inning-ending 6-4-3 double play to end the threat. Scheppers also pitched around a one-out walk in the ninth to record his first Triple-A save.
Round Rock starter Mark Hamburger continued to impress in his second professional start. Hamburger (6-4) held the Fresno offense scoreless over 5.1 innings of four-hit ball, walking one and striking out four. He ran his scoreless streak to 19.1 innings in the process, lowering his ERA to 1.80 since the All-Star Break after a 6.23 mark prior to that.
Fresno will send recently promoted righty Daryl Maday (NR, 0.00) against veteran right-hander Brett Tomko (6-5) Thursday night at 7:05pm as the Grizzlies look to snap their season-long five-game home losing streak.
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