Late Innings Derail Grizzlies
BOX SCORE After holding early lead and taking it into the 6th inning, the Fresno Grizzlies (56-56) couldn’t slow a late Stockton surge Friday night, dropping a 12-4 decision to the Ports (45-67) at Chukchansi Park in Downtown Fresno. The Ports exploded for 10 runs over the final three innings
After holding early lead and taking it into the 6th inning, the Fresno Grizzlies (56-56) couldn’t slow a late Stockton surge Friday night, dropping a 12-4 decision to the Ports (45-67) at Chukchansi Park in Downtown Fresno.
The Ports exploded for 10 runs over the final three innings to snap Fresno’s three-game win streak.
Fresno struck first in the third inning, manufacturing a run as Yeiker Reyes scored on a two-out single from Ethan Holliday.
Starter Angel Jimenez was solid through 4.2 shutout innings, weaving through traffic without allowing a run, but the bullpen faltered late.
The Ports broke through in the sixth against reliever Felix Ramires. After retiring the first three batters he faced, one to get out of the fifth and the first two in the sixth, Stockton rallied.
With two outs and two on, a passed ball allowed Max Durrington to score the tying run. Moments later, Bobby Blandford’s infield single brought home Jesus Superlano, giving Stockton a 2-1 lead.
Stockton kept the pressure on in the seventh. Devin Taylor launched a solo homer off Luke Jewett to extend the lead to 3-1.
Fresno’s bats went quiet through the middle innings, and the Ports bullpen kept the Grizzlies off balance, holding them to just three hits through seven frames.
The Grizzlies mounted a rally in the eighth, loading the bases and cashing in three runs on RBI hits from Kelvin Hidalgo, Tanner Thach and Kelvin Hidalgo to pull within 7-4.
But the Ports answered right back in the ninth, blowing the game open with a grand slam from Rodney Green Jr., part of a five-run outburst that put the game out of reach.
Fresno managed just eight hits, with Hidalgo and Hernandez each collecting two.
The Grizzlies went 4-for-11 with runners in scoring position but left seven men on base.
Ramires took the loss for Fresno, while Richard Fernandez earned the win in relief for Stockton. Manzano finished things off for the Ports, recording the final four outs for the save.
Saturday night presents another opportunity for the Grizzlies to win the series as they send Brody Brecht to the mound, Stockton will counter with Sam Stuhr. First pitch is scheduled for 6:50pm at Chukchansi Park.
All broadcasts will be available streamed through Bally Sports Live, the MiLB App, and the Grizzlies broadcast with Tim Slack can be accessed on fresnogrizzlies.com/listen.
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The Fresno Grizzlies are a proud affiliate of the Colorado Rockies organization. During the 2024 season, the Grizzlies held several California League season records, including most attended game and highest overall attendance. The team plays at Chukchansi Park, a year-round venue that hosts numerous special events.