PCL1 Fresno Grizzlies

Fresno Gets Served Another Walk-Off By River Cats

Published on July 3, 2014 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Fresno Grizzlies News Release


WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. - For the second time in as many nights the Sacramento River Cats (50-36) came from behind to earn a walk-off win. The Fresno Grizzlies (42-45) entered the bottom half of the 15th with a 2-1 lead, but served up two runs to the River Cats to suffer the 3-2 loss. Closer Heath Hembree (BS; L, 1-2) struck out the first batter of the inning, but surrendered a double to catcher Luis Exposito and walked center fielder Nick Buss. Left fielder Shane Peterson singled in Exposito and moved Buss over to second. Representing the game-winning run, the center fielder raced around to score the walk-off run on a double to left-center by Daric Barton.

The Grizzlies, held scoreless from the fifth-14th, took the lead in the top of the 15th on a single down the left field line by Gary Brown. A walk to Noonan put two runners on with two outs for Brett Krill, who saw the runners move to second and third on stolen bases. However, Krill was unable to add insurance runs as he grounded out to shortstop to end the inning.

Starter Chris Heston turned in his team-leading 10th quality start, allowing a single run over a season-high 8.0 innings. A game-tying solo homer by Andy Parrino (6) accounted for the only River Cats run against him, leading to his third straight no decision. The start was his longest since throwing a complete-game shutout on June 13th of last season against Tucson. It also marked the fifth time in his last six starts where he's allowed just one run. Over those six starts, he's 3-0 with a 2.08 ERA (9 ER/39.0 IP), nine walks and 24 strikeouts.

The first eight Fresno batters were retired in order until Darren Ford knocked a two-out single in the third. Ehire Adrianza and Brandon Belt, both on rehab assignments, recorded back-to-back singles in the fourth to get the offense truly rolling. Belt's single moved Adrianza from first to third and allowed for him to score when Andrew Susac skied a sacrifice fly to center.

The Fresno bullpen did succeed earlier in extras to keep the game tied. Jake Dunning entered his second inning in the 10th and allowed a leadoff single to Jake Elmore, who advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt. A wild pitch sent Elmore to third, but Josh Whitaker went down swinging for the second out. An intentional walk and an issued walk loaded the bases, but Dunning induced a pop out to end the inning.

Adam Reifer avoided danger in the 12th when Alden Carrithers drew a one-out walk and stole second with Whitaker up. But, Whitaker struck out again, while Reifer intentionally walked Colin Walsh before getting Luis Exposito to fly out to center.

The 15 innings mark the longest game Fresno has played since losing to the River Cats 6-3 in 16 innings on July 7, 2012.

The Grizzlies send right-hander Mitch Lively (4-4, 5.67) to the mound in the series finale as they seek a series split. Sacramento will counter with right-hander Zach Neal (2-2, 4.96). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. PT and can be heard on 1430 AM KYNO or streamed online at KYNOFresno.com.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from July 3, 2014


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