Surkamp Goes Deep, Grizzlies Avoid Sweep

August 26, 2013 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Fresno Grizzlies News Release

Las Vegas, Nv. - The Fresno Grizzlies (64-71) avoided a five-game sweep as they defeated the Las Vegas 51s (76-58) 4-1 on Sunday night at Cashman Field. Despite Fresno's win, Las Vegas captured the season-series 12-4.

Left-handed starter Eric Surkamp (7-1) pitched a personal season-high eight innings en route to the win. He pitched at least seven innings in each of his last six starts. Surkamp issued four hits, one run (earned), he walked two, and struck out five.

The Grizzlies jumped on the board with two runs in the fourth inning. With two out, and nobody on, first baseman Johnny Monell doubled to right field. Following him it was third baseman Chris Dominguez who doubled Monell home on a hit down the left field line. The third straight double was delivered by the following batter--second baseman Carter Jurica down the right field line, which scored Dominguez.

Of Fresno's nine hits, seven were for extra bases. The other two Fresno runs came in the eighth inning. Monell led off the frame with a double, and again it was Dominguez who followed with a run-producing double to right field. The other tally was courtesy of a fielder's choice by shortstop Ydwin Villegas.

Right-hander George Kontos (4) pitched a perfect ninth inning for the save.

Las Vegas right-handed starter Rafael Montero worked 5 1/3 innings. He issued six hits, two runs (both earned), he walked one, and struck out five. It was the second time this year that Surkamp has bested Montero as the other such occurrence was in Surkamp's first Fresno start on July 1st in Las Vegas.

The only Las Vegas run was on an eighth inning double by center fielder Matt den Dekker who plated right fielder Brian Bixler who had doubled.

Fresno will head to Sacramento where it will start its final road series of the year. The first pitch from Raley Field on Monday night will be at 7:05. Fresno right-hander Daryl Maday (0-1) will oppose the Pacific Coast League leader in wins, right-hander Bruce Billings (13-6) of Sacramento.

• Discuss this story on the Pacific Coast League message board...

Pacific Coast League Stories from August 26, 2013

• Rogers, Jensen Clip Redbirds 1-0 - New Orleans Baby Cakes
• Redbirds Blanked in New Orleans, 1-0 - Memphis Redbirds
• Storm Chasers Offense Stifled by Negrin - Omaha Storm Chasers
• Efren Navarro Named to 2013 All-PCL Team - Salt Lake Bees
• RedHawks vs. Sounds - Game Notes - August 26, 2013 - Oklahoma City Comets
• Hayes and Walker Named PCL Player and Pitcher of the Week - PCL1
• Johnny Hellweg Named To All-PCL Team - Nashville Sounds
• Taijuan Walker Named PCL Pitcher of the Week - Tacoma Rainiers
• Brett Hayes Named Pacific Coast League Hitter of the Week - Omaha Storm Chasers
• George Springer Maintains Lead for Joe Bauman Home Run Award - Oklahoma City Comets
• Flynn, Hatcher Earn All-PCL Honors - New Orleans Baby Cakes
• Bees to Host "Bee Healthy Week" during Final Homestand - Salt Lake Bees
• Round Rock Express Announces 2014 Home Schedule - Round Rock Express
• Rookie Owings Lands on 2013 All-PCL Team - Reno Aces
• 2013 All-Pacific Coast League Team - PCL1
• Brock Peterson Named To All-PCL Team - Memphis Redbirds
• Surkamp Goes Deep, Grizzlies Avoid Sweep - Fresno Grizzlies
• Walker, Tacoma Shut Down Padres - Tucson Padres
• Rainiers Topple Tucson, 6-4 - Tacoma Rainiers
• Topes Muted in Finale against Sounds - Albuquerque Isotopes

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Fresno Grizzlies Stories

• Calaz, Mena Power Grizzlies over Nuts in Series Opener
• Star Wars, Dino Nuggets, and Mother's Day Highlight Grizzlies' First May Homestand
• Grizzlies Fall in Final Game of Road Trip
• Hinderleider, Grizzlies Flip Script on Rawhide
• Sixth Inning Costs Grizzlies Despite Punchy Offense