Hembree Blows Save in Grizzlies' Extra-Inning Loss to Las Vegas
June 2, 2013 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Fresno Grizzlies News Release
Fresno, Calif. - Heath Hembree allowed a run in each the ninth and 10th innings, blowing a save and leading to a 3-2 Fresno Grizzlies loss to the Las Vegas 51s on Sunday at Chukchansi Park.
The right-hander was one strike away from completing his 14th save of the year, but Brian Bixler, who hit a solo home run in the fifth inning, drilled a double to the right-center field gap and tied the game at 2-2. In the 10th inning, Jamie Hoffman hit an RBI double off Hembree to plate the game-deciding run.
The blown save was Hembree's fourth of the season. Only one of the two runs allowed by Hembree in his two innings of work was earned.
The blown save erased a quality start by Austin Fleet, who was making his Chukchansi Park debut. The 26-year-old only surrendered the one run via Bixler's home run in six innings pitched. He struck out five, including fanning the side in the third inning. Bixler was the only runner Fleet allowed past first base.
Chris Dominguez drove in the two Fresno runs with a single up the middle in the second inning. Roger Kieschnick reached to lead off the inning on a strikeout-wild pitch, and Johnny Monell hit a double to put runners on second and third base for Dominguez.
Dominguez was the only Grizzlies hitter to reach base safely more than once. He went 1-for-3 with a walk.
Gonzalez Germen picked up the win for Las Vegas after striking out two in the ninth inning. David Aardsma earned his second save in as many days with a scoreless 10th inning.
Fresno reliever Jake Dunning extended his scoreless appearance streak to nine games with a shutout eighth inning. His ERA for the season now sits at 1.35.
The Grizzlies did have an opportunity to drive in the game-winning run in the ninth inning. Kieschnick led off the frame with a walk, and advanced to second base on a sacrifice bunt by Juan Ciriaco. However, back-to-back strikeouts by Jackson Williams and Dominguez ended the threat.
The Grizzlies and 51s will square off for game three of the series on Monday at 7:05 pm. Left-hander Mike Kickham, in his first start since his big league debut on May 28, will take the mound for the Grizzlies and oppose Las Vegas right-hander Carlos Torres.
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