Three-Run Eighth Dooms Ports in Series Opener
Published on July 23, 2022 under California League (CalL)
Stockton Ports News Release
FRESNO, Ca. - The Fresno Grizzlies scored three times in the bottom of the eighth to erase a two-run Stockton lead as the Ports fell 5-4 at Chukchansi Park in the series opener on Friday night in downtown Fresno.
The Grizzlies (53-35) jumped ahead in the bottom of the first inning. Juan Brito tripled down the right field line off Ports' starter Kyle Virbitsky leading off the bottom of the first and scored when Adael Amador grounded out to first base to put Fresno in front 1-0.
Down 2-0 after the Grizzlies added an unearned run in the bottom of the third, the Ports (32-56) jumped ahead with a four-run top of the sixth inning. Marcos Brito and Jonah Bride hit back-to-back singles to start the inning, and Shane McGuire walked to load the bases with nobody out. After a pop out, Junior Perez lifted a high fly ball to deep left center field that was dropped by Fresno center fielder EJ Andrews, Jr. allowing two runs to score to tie the game at two. With runners on second and third and two outs, Alexander Campos greeted Grizzly reliever Luis Amoroso with a two-run single to center field to give the Ports a 4-2 lead.
Batting around in the bottom of the eighth inning, the Grizzlies reclaimed the lead with a three-run frame. Juan Guerrero started the frame with an infield single against Stockton reliever Serafino Brito, and after a strikeout Braxton Fulford tied the game with a two-run shot to left field to make it 4-4. A single and a walk put runners on first and second with one out, and after a strikeout Amador worked a walk to load the bases. With Clark Cota on in relief of Brito, the first pitch to Yanquiel Fernandez sailed high and away and popped out of McGuire's glove for a passed ball allowing Ben Sems to score from third base to give the Grizzlies a 5-4 lead.
Fresno right-hander Angel Chivilli retired the Ports in order in the top of the ninth to end the ballgame.
Grizzly reliever Tyler Ras (3-2) got the win for Fresno inducing a double play off the bat of Alexander Campos to end the top of the eighth inning. Brito (0-2) took the loss for the Ports surrendering three runs on three hits in 0.2 innings. Chivilli's 1-2-3 ninth gave him his first save of the season.
The Ports will look to even the series in game two on Saturday night at Chukchansi Park with first pitch at 6:50 pm.
California League Stories from July 23, 2022
- Giants Return From Break With Ninth-Inning Comeback Win - San Jose Giants
- Three-Run Eighth Dooms Ports in Series Opener - Stockton Ports
- Tacos' Offense Sizzles Late in 5-4 Triumph over Ports - Fresno Grizzlies
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