Surkamp Strikes out 8 over 7 Innings, Grizzlies Beat Isotopes 2-1
August 5, 2013 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Fresno Grizzlies News Release
Fresno, Calif. - The Fresno Grizzlies extended their winning streak to a season-high six games after defeating the Albuquerque Isotopes 2-1 on Sunday at Chukchansi Park.
The Grizzlies pitching staff shined once again, as they have done throughout the entire streak, led by starter Eric Surkamp. The left-hander struck out eight over seven innings, his second consecutive start of seven innings pitched.
The only run allowed by Surkamp was in the third when Drew Butera, who led off the frame with a double, was driven in by Brian Barden's single that gave the Isotopes a 1-0 advantage.
The Grizzlies answered, though, in the fourth inning when Juan Perez blasted a home run beyond the left field bleachers to tie it at 1-1. The home run was Perez's first since June 6th and the first by a Grizzlies batter since July 27th.
Fresno scored the game-winning run in the seventh when Johnny Monell drew a bases loaded walk to plate Jackson Williams. The Grizzlies had three base on balls in the seventh and seven in the game. Monell had a team-high two walks.
Perez finished with three hits, including a double, as well as adding one walk.
A night after setting the Grizzlies franchise record for saves in a season, Heath Hembree added to it with his 26th save of the year. He struck out the first two batters he faced before inducing a game-ending fly out, which required Perez to make a diving backhand catch.
George Kontos also added a perfect inning of relief in the eighth. Since being optioned in late July, Kontos has thrown four perfect outings in his five appearances.
Albuquerque reliever Sean White suffered the loss after being responsible for one run over 2/3 of an inning. Rob Rasmussen walked Monell in the eighth to plate Fresno's go-ahead run.
Surkamp remains undefeated, improving to 4-0 with the Grizzlies this season. He has posted a 1.29 ERA with 13 strikeouts in two starts since being optioned from San Francisco.
The Grizzlies and Isotopes will meet in game three of their four-game series on Monday at 7:05 pm. Grizzlies lefty Mike Kickham will face Albuquerque's Red Patterson.
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