PCL1 Fresno Grizzlies

Hembree Sets Franchise Record with 25th Save

Published on August 4, 2013 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Fresno Grizzlies News Release


Fresno, Calif. - The Fresno Grizzlies won their fifth straight game after defeating the Albuquerque Isotopes 4-2 on Saturday at Chukchansi Park.

The ninth inning became hairy when the Isotopes loaded the bases off Grizzlies reliever Dan Runzler. Dee Gordon hit an infield single to Fresno second baseman Ydwin Villegas. The ball deflected off Villegas' glove, allowing two runs to score. Villegas' throw also got away from catcher Hector Sanchez, moving runners to advance to second and third base on the error.

With the tying runs in scoring position, Grizzlies hurler Heath Hembree struck out the only batter he faced to complete the win but also record his 25th save of the year. Hembree now holds the Grizzlies franchise record for saves in a single season.

Saturday was a momentous occasion for Grizzlies starting pitcher Austin Fleet as well. The right-hander allowed four hits over six shutout innings to earn his first career Triple-A victory.

The Fresno offense supplied Fleet with run support beginning in the first inning. Francisco Peguero hit an RBI double off the left field wall, and Johnny Monell plated Peguero with a sacrifice fly.

In the third, Monell plated Peguero again, this time with an RBI double off the wall in left-center field.

Kensuke Tanaka capped the Grizzlies' scoring with another RBI double to score Chris Dominguez.

Five of the Grizzlies' eight hits were for extra bases, including four doubles and one triple.

Fresno's current five-game winning streak matches their season-high, first set from May 16th-20th. The Grizzlies have won seven of their last eight games.

Albuquerque starting pitcher Jonathan Sanchez took the loss after allowing three runs on four hits and three walks over five innings. The former Grizzlies and Giants pitcher added two strikeouts.

Steve Edlefsen and Jake Dunning each contributed a scoreless inning to help preserve the shutout at the time.

The second game of the four-game series against the Dodgers affiliate is Sunday at 6:05 pm. Left-hander Eric Surkamp will take the mound for the Grizzlies and face Albuquerque's Matt Magill.

Check out the Fresno Grizzlies Statistics

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Pacific Coast League Stories from August 4, 2013


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