Monell, Grizzlies Fall 3-2 in Sacramento

West Sacramento, Ca.--The Sacramento River Cats (78-62) finished their regular season home slate by defeating the Fresno Grizzlies (65-74) 3-2 on Thursday night at Raley Field. It was the final road game of the season for the Grizzlies. The three wins in the series for Sacramento were decided by one run.

Fresno got off to a good start with a first inning run. Second baseman Tony Abreu delivered a two-out double which set up an RBI single by first baseman Johnny Monell.

However, in the bottom of the first inning Sacramento second baseman Jemile Weeks (4) hit the first pitch he saw against Fresno right-handed starter Austin Fleet (1-5) with a homer to right-center which tied the game.

Sacramento added two more runs to take the lead for good in the second inning on back-to-back RBI singles by third baseman Hiro Nakajima, and center fielder Shane Peterson.

The other Fresno run came in the fifth inning on a double by designated hitter Jackson Wliliams.

The Grizzlies had a chance to tie the game in the ninth as the first two batters--third baseman Carter Jurica, and right fielder Juan Perez each singled but shortstop Ehire Adrianza struck out trying to bunt, and Williams grounded into a 5-4 double play to end the game.

Fleet struck out a season-high seven in six innings. He issued eight hits, three runs (all earned), and did not walk a batter.

Left-hander Andrew Werner (12-14) over six innings gave up two runs (both earned) and walked one while giving up four hits, and he had four strikeouts. Right-hander Brian Gordon (22) earned the save.

Fresno's final series begins on Friday night at Chukchansi Park with a 7:05 first pitch. Right-hander Colin McHugh (5-4) will start for Colorado Springs against Fresno left-hander Eric Surkamp (7-1).

GRIZZLIES PAWS:

Fresno went 28-43 on the road this season.