Grizzlies sweep Isotopes in doubleheader
After a rainout Wednesday night, the Fresno Grizzlies and Albuquerque Isotopes played a day-night doubleheader Thursday at Isotopes Park. In game one, Fresno starter Brady Rodgers (4-3) picked up the win, tossing six scoreless innings, allowing one hit and striking out eight.
The Grizzlies scored in the top of the first when A.J. Reed hit a two-run home run to right, scoring Danny Worth. Reed's seventh homer gave Fresno the 2-0 lead after an inning. A Colin Moran RBI single in the top of the third gave the Grizzlies a 3-0 advantage. This was his first RBI since re-joining Fresno from his stint with the Astros.
The Grizzlies added three more runs in the top of the sixth. Andrew Aplin hit into a fielder's choice, scoring Moran. After Aplin stole second, an Isotopes' error allowed Preston Tucker to score. Worth singled on the next pitch, knocking in Aplin from second. Fresno led 6-0 through six innings.
The Isotopes broke the shutout in the bottom of the seventh when Nick Hundley doubled to center, scoring two. The Grizzlies would hold on to win game one, 6-2.
In game two of the twin bill, the Grizzlies struck first with a solo home run by Tucker (3-for-3) in the top of the first. This gave Fresno a 1-0 lead after an inning. In the top of the second, Tyler Heineman (3-for-3) singled to right, scoring Matt Duffy (2-for-3). Eury Perez added to the lead by hitting a two-RBI single to right. Grizzlies led 4-0 after two innings. It would be the last runs on the night for Fresno
The Isotopes scored their first run in the bottom of the fourth when Jordan Patterson hit a sac-fly to right. Albuquerque trailed 4-1 after four innings.
The Isotopes got within one run, 4-3, in the bottom of the fifth when Rafael Ynoa (2-for-3) knocked a two-RBI single to right. It would be the last runs for both teams in the shortened game, as Fresno held on 4-3.
Grizzlies starting pitcher Mike Hauschild tossed five innings, allowing seven hits, three runs (all earned) while striking out seven. Hauschild earned his fourth win of the season. Fresno closer James Hoyt picked up his PCL-leading 11th save in the bottom of the seventh, striking out one.
Fresno left fielder Preston Tucker came up a triple shy of the cycle. He homered, singled and doubled in his three hit night. Tucker was next to hit for Fresno if the game would have been extended past seven innings.
The last game of the series will be set for Friday night at Isotopes Park, a 6:05 PT/7:05 MT first pitch. Grizzlies LHP Tommy Shirley (3-3, 4.15) is scheduled to face Isotopes RHP Shane Carle (3-4, 5.67).