Gonzalez and bullpen turn in quality performance to shut out Grizzlies 3-0

Published on April 13, 2006 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Tucson Sidewinders News Release

Tucson, AZ - Three Sidewinders combined for a shutout of the Fresno Grizzlies 3-0, the first combined shutout for Tucson since August 16, 2005. Starter RHP Enrique Gonzalez was fantastic for Tucson, going 6 scoreless innings, giving up 4 hits and 3 walks while striking out 2 Grizzlies.

Gonzalez also knocked in all the runs he would need for the victory, pulling a bases loaded double to left field to score C Robby Hammock and CF Jerry Gil. The next batter for the Sidewinders, 2B Donnie Sadler, would walk to reload the bases for SS Stephen Drew. Drew hit an RBI ground out to second, to score the Sidewinders' third and final run of the contest.

Gonzalez continued to have success at the plate, slapping a single on his second plate appearance, capping off a 2-for-2 night. Tucson pitchers are now batting .667 (4-for-6) on the season, with 3 RBI and 2 doubles.

To preserve the lead, interim manager Lorenzo Bundy handed the ball to RHP Brandon Medders, who made his third rehab appearance for the Sidewinders. Medders threw 24 pitches, 17 for strikes in 2 innings of scoreless work to earn a hold. He gave up 1 walk and struck out 3 batters.

For the save, Tucson turned to LHP Randy Choate, who got C Eliezer Alfonzo to ground out before giving up a single to 3B Jed Hansen. SS Tomas De La Rosa would then ground into a 6-4-3 game ending double play to give the Sidewinders their second victory on the season.

The winning pitcher, Gonzalez, became the 3rd Sidewinders starter to put in a quality start in the past 4 four games, and improved to 1-1. The loser, RHP Brian Cooper, fell to 0-2. He went 6 innings, throwing 100 pitches. He gave up 5 hits and 3 runs, 1 earned, while walking 3 and striking out 5.

Pacific Coast League Stories from April 13, 2006

• Portland three-hit in 3-1 loss - Portland Beavers
• Express Split Series with Oklahoma after 3-2 Loss - Round Rock Express
• Zephyrs win seventh straight - New Orleans Baby Cakes
• RedHawks hold on for 3-2 win - Oklahoma City Comets
• Pacific Coast League Hall of Fame celebrates class of 2006 - PCL1
• Another Late Rally Dooms Sounds In 2-1 Loss - Nashville Sounds
• Grizzlies to open 2006 season at Grizzlies Stadium - Fresno Grizzlies
• Isotopes end midwest swing with 11-5 loss to Omaha - Albuquerque Isotopes
• Oklahoma RedHawk Game Notes - Oklahoma City Comets
• Royals game notes - Omaha Storm Chasers
• Beavers come back but fall to late power surge - Portland Beavers
• Gonzalez and bullpen turn in quality performance to shut out Grizzlies 3-0 - Tucson Sidewinders
• Express survive slugfest with RedHawks - Round Rock Express

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