Offense Shows Up Late, But Grizzlies Win in Ninth

STOCKTON, Calif. — The Ports tied the game in the bottom of the eighth on Tuesday with a two-run rally, but a solo home run in the top of the ninth for Fresno put them ahead for good in a 3-2 win in game one of a six-game set.

Ports Starter Steven Echavarria got out of jams in the first and second innings, but those jams drove up the 19-year-old’s pitch count. After giving up a single to start the third inning, he exited for Mark Adamiak, who had a 2.38 ERA over his last 11.1 innings.

Fresno’s top hitter, Andy Perez, would slice a double down the left field line to score a run, before a sac fly would eventually score Perez for a 2-0 Grizzlies’ lead.

Stockton threatened in the second and third innings, but would strand a pair of runners each time. They would get just one base runner over the next three innings, but pitcher Franck De La Rosa would keep the Grizzlies off the board in 4.1 innings of work. Diego Barrera came in to get the last two outs of the eighth after De La Rosa ran into some trouble, as the lefty Barrera had not been scored upon in his last five appearances.

The Ports would finally break through in the bottom of the eighth when they loaded the bases against reliever Stu Flesland. Nate Nankil drew a bases-loaded walk to cut the lead to 2-1, before a Myles Naylor ground out produce a run to tie it at 2-2.

Fresno would get a ground out to end the threat in the bottom of the eighth with two runners on, but Barrera got a pair of ground outs to start the ninth. However, Grizzlies left fielder Jake Snider blasted a solo home run (2) out to right center to reclaim the lead.

Stockton put two runners on in the ninth, but a called third strike at the top of the zone left reigning California League Player of the Week, Cole Conn, standing in the right-handed batters box against lefty Bryson Hammer, ending the game and giving Fresno the 3-2 win.

UP NEXT
Game two is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at Banner Island Ballpark, with Corey Avant (2-2, 10.22) going against Bryan Perez (1-1, 5.23).

It will be a Wine Wednesday tomorrow night, with $6 Chardonnay, Zinfandel and Cabernet presented By Consumnes River Farms. It’s also a Silver Sluggers night Presented By Pacific Home Care Services.

Single game tickets, mini plans, and group outings are all on sale for the 2024 season. For more information, call the Ports front office at 209-644-1900 or email at [email protected].