PCL1 Fresno Grizzlies

Grizzlies' Comeback Bid Falls Short in 5-4 Loss to Tucson

April 21, 2013 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Fresno Grizzlies News Release


Fresno, Calif. - The Fresno Grizzlies had back-to-back bases loaded opportunities in both the eighth and ninth innings, but they could not drive in at least the game-tying run in a 5-4 loss to the Tucson Padres on Saturday at Chukchansi Park. The loss gives the Grizzlies their first back-to-back defeats of the season.

Trailing 5-3 entering the eighth inning, Juan Perez singled to lead off the frame for the Grizzlies. After Perez stole second, Johnny Monell reached base for the fourth time in the game with a walk. Pinch-hitter Cole Gillespie reached on a fielding error by Gregorio Petit to keep the inning alive and load the bases. Kensuke Tanaka followed by hitting a ball deep into left-center field, but Tucson's Daniel Robertson made a diving catch to save multiple runs. It went down as a sacrifice fly for Tanaka to score Perez, bringing the Grizzlies within one, 5-4, in the eighth inning.

In the ninth inning, leadoff singles by Brett Pill and Todd Linden staged a possible rally for Fresno. Perez advanced Pill and Linden each a base with a sacrifice bunt, but Monell was intentionally walked to load the bases with one out. The Grizzlies could not deliver, however, as Jurica struck out and pinch-hitter Juan Ciriaco flew out to end the game.

The Grizzlies were forced to climb out of an early deficit when Tucson scored two runs off Fresno starting pitcher Chris Heston in the first inning. Travis Buck plated the game's first run with a sacrifice fly while Robertson later scored in the inning on Monell's throwing error in his attempt to throw out Brandon Allen on a stolen base.

Tucson added two more runs off Heston in the fourth inning. Back-to-back doubles by Jonathan Galvez and Dean Anna made it 3-1 Tucson while Jason Hagerty later plated Dean Anna with a groundout to give the Padres a three-run lead.

Heston suffered his first loss of his Triple-A career after allowing four runs (three earned) on nine hits over six innings.

Roger Kieschnick hit his third home run of the season with a solo homer in the third inning. Kieschnick's blast cut Tucson's lead in half, 2-1.

Perez scored two runs for the Grizzlies, both of which were created by stolen bases. He was driven in by Monell in the fourth in addition to the eighth inning run. Perez became the first Grizzlies player this season to have two stolen bases in one game. He leads the team with four steals on the season.

Jurica had the other Grizzlies RBI in his 1-for-5 night. Jurica drove in Monell, who reached base with a two-out double.

Monell reached base safely five times, going 2-for-2 with three walks.

Jorge Reyes picked up the win for Tucson after throwing 1 2/3 innings in relief of starter Keyvius Sampson. Sampson allowed two runs on three hits in four innings pitched. Brad Boxberger earned the save with a scoreless ninth inning.

Fresno and Tucson will meet for game two of a four-game series on Sunday at 2:05 pm. A pair of right-handers, Shane Loux of Fresno and Tim Stauffer of Tucson, will meet in the starting pitching matchup.

Check out the Fresno Grizzlies Statistics



Pacific Coast League Stories from April 21, 2013


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