Fresno Rallies and Defeats Tucson in Extras 8-7

Published on July 1, 2008 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Tucson Sidewinders News Release

Tucson, AZ - The Fresno Grizzlies rallied from a 6-run 9th inning deficit to top the Sidewinders 8-7 in 10 innings Monday. The comeback squandered a great outing by Tucson starter Billy Bucknre who posted six strikeouts and no runs in eight innings of work.

The Sidewinders struck first in the game with a 2-run first inning thanks to a Jamie D'Antona RBI single scoring Emilio Bonifacio from third. The other run came off a throwing error by Fresno's Ivan Ochoa that let Alex Romero come around from third.

Tucson's Jesus Merchan hit a two-run homerun to left center in the third inning to make the score 4-0. Tucson added two more in the sixth inning off a Tim Raines, Jr. sacrifice fly and a D'Antona RBI line drive.

Fresno came back with six runs in the top of the ninth inning to tie the game up. Brandon Medders relieved Buckner in the ninth inning giving up five earned and reliever Emiliano Fruto gave up the other earned run.

The six runs came off back-to-back RBI line drives by Brett Harper and Eliezer Alfonzo. Then with bases loaded Clay Timpner hit a double to center scoring two more runs. Pinch hitter Scott McClain came up to tie the game with a two out double to right scoring two runs. In the bottom of the ninth Tucson had bases loaded with one out and were unable to bring in any runs.

In the tenth inning Fresno took their first lead of the game with back-to-back solo home runs from Brett Harper and Eliezer Alfonzo off of Fruto to make the score 8-6. Tucson put up one run in the tenth off a Jesus Merchan sacrifice fly but it wasn't enough to get the win.

The Sidewinders will face the Grizzlies in the second game of a four game series at 7:00 PM. LHP Evan MacLane (3-6, 5.38) is scheduled to start for Tucson. Right-hander Nick Pereira (6-7, 5.53) will start for the Grizzlies. The game will air live on COOL 1450 beginning at 6:55 p.m.

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• Fresno Rallies and Defeats Tucson in Extras 8-7 - Tucson Sidewinders

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