PCL1 Fresno Grizzlies

Fresno Falters Again, This Time Against Sacramento

Published on July 8, 2014 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Fresno Grizzlies News Release


FRESNO, Calif. - For the second time in as many nights, the Fresno Grizzlies (44-48) went up by one run in the late innings only to cough up the lead in the following inning. This time the culprit was the Sacramento River Cats (53-38), who came from behind to score three runs over the final three innings to grab a 6-4 victory in front of 4,978 fans at Chukchansi Park Monday night.

Things were knotted at zeroes through the first four innings until both teams scratched across three runs in the fifth. The River Cats put across all three runs with two outs when Luis Exposito hit a RBI double and Nick Buss followed with a deep single to right-center that scored Jose Martinez and Exposito.

Down 3-0, Fresno climbed back into the game thanks to a RBI single by Marco Scutaro (1-3, RBI, 2 K) and two-run double by Adam Duvall. With the game tied at three, the Grizzlies captured their first lead of the night in the sixth on a sacrifice fly by Nick Noonan.

Starter Chris Heston (L; 5 ER/6.2 IP) couldn't hold the 4-3 lead as he worked into the seventh inning. After retiring the first batter, Luis Exposito doubled down the right-field line and advanced to third on a fly out by Nick Buss. Attempting to preserve the one-run lead, Heston faltered when Jake Elmore poked a two-out single to right to tie the game. The game-tying hit marked the right-hander's exit, but he left responsible for the runner on first.

Elmore seized an opportunity on the switch to reliever Jake Dunning and swiped second base with Andy Parrino at the plate. It proved to be a costly base for the Grizzlies as Parrino brought Elmore home for the go-ahead run on a single to right-center. The run was charged to Heston and handed the starter his first loss since May 31st vs. Sacramento. Heston is 1-3 with a 6.82 ERA (24 ER/31.2 IP) over six career starts against the 'Cats.

Sacramento's bullpen held Fresno scoreless from the seventh inning on. Darren Ford was thrown out attempting to steal second with two outs in the eighth, while Adam Duvall struck out looking with a runner on second to end the game.

Paul Smyth (1.2 IP) picked up his fourth win for Sacramento, while Evan Scribner (1.0 IP) notched his 13th save.

Dating back to the 15-inning game between the River Cats and Grizzlies on July 2nd, the last eight runs scored by Sacramento against Fresno have been with two outs.

Giants' infielder Ehire Adrianza went 1-4 with a run scored, making him 4-14 (.286) with a homer, RBI and four runs scored over five rehab games.

The 99 Highway Series continues Tuesday night at Chukchansi Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. and features Fresno right-hander Mitch Lively (5-4, 5.22) taking the mound to face River Cats righty Zach Neal (2-3, 4.68). Gates open to the park at 6:05 p.m. For ticket inquiries, call 559.320.TIXS.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from July 8, 2014


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