Grizzlies fail to hold on in 4-3 loss to Las Vegas

Fresno, Calif. - The Fresno Grizzlies could not hold on to a one-run lead as Jamie Hoffmann of the Las Vegas 51s drove in Josh Satin in the top of the ninth inning for the game-deciding run of a 4-3 loss by the Grizzlies to the 51s on Monday at Chukchansi Park.

The Grizzlies led 3-2 entering the sixth inning, but leadoff doubles in both the sixth and ninth innings led to the game-tying and game-winning runs, respectively. In the sixth, catcher Travis d'Arnaud started the frame with a double and was later driven in by Satin with a single to right field to tie the game. In the ninth, Satin led off the inning with a double down the third base line before being cashed in with Hoffmann's single.

Ramon Ramirez suffered the loss for Fresno after allowing the one run in the ninth. The right-hander surrendered two hits and one walk over two innings pitched. Jake Dunning was charged with a blown save after he allowed the run in the sixth inning.

Monday's game was the fourth time this young season that the Grizzlies have had their games decided after the seventh inning.

The Grizzlies had to rally themselves early on as the 51s scored two quick runs in the top of the first inning.

Juan Lagares led off the game with a bunt single, and it proved to be harmful when Wilmer Flores hit a ground ball to shortstop Juan Ciriaco. Ciriaco flipped it to Kensuke Tanaka, who forced out d'Arnaud at second, but a wild throw from Tanaka prolonged the play and allowed Larages to score. Flores later scored in the inning on Andrew Brown's triple off the center field wall to make it 2-0 Las Vegas.

Roger Kieschnick played a role in the Grizzlies' three runs. In the third inning, Kieschnick hit a two-out, two-run single to plate Gary Brown and Tanaka. In the fifth, Kieschnick hit a two-out bloop single into right field with Francisco Peguero on first base. Las Vegas right fielder Brown overplayed the ball, keeping the play alive and allowing Peguero to score and give the Grizzlies a 3-2 lead. Kieschnick was thrown out at third base to end the inning, though, as he tried to stretch the play.

The Grizzlies threatened with two outs in the bottom of the ninth as Tanaka and Peguero reached base with back-to-back singles with two outs. Todd Linden ended the game with a strikeout on a check swing, stranding Tanaka at second base.

Tanaka (3-for-4) and Peguero (4-for-5) went a combined 7-for-9 from the number two and three spots in the lineup. Peguero has 10 hits in his last four games. Kieschnick also had multiple hits, going 3-for-4.

Grizzlies starting pitcher Boof Bonser did not factor into the decision. The right-hander allowed two runs on five hits and one walk while striking out one in five innings.

On Tuesday, right-hander Yusmeiro Petit of Fresno will face former Giants top prospect Zack Wheeler of Las Vegas in game two of the four-game series. First pitch is set for 7:05 pm.