Fresno stymied by Visalia 6-2 Saturday evening
Visalia, CA (Saturday, August 21) – The Fresno Grizzlies (62-33) dropped their second straight game against the Visalia Rawhide (27-68), losing 6-2 Saturday evening from Valley Strong Ballpark. Fresno is now 18-5 against Visalia on the season, outscoring their Highway 99 rival 138-93. The Grizzlies clawed ahead 2-0 in the
Visalia, CA (Saturday, August 21) – The Fresno Grizzlies (62-33) dropped their second straight game against the Visalia Rawhide (27-68), losing 6-2 Saturday evening from Valley Strong Ballpark. Fresno is now 18-5 against Visalia on the season, outscoring their Highway 99 rival 138-93.
The Grizzlies clawed ahead 2-0 in the top of the third when Julio Carreras singled sharply up the middle. Bladimir Restituyo (error) and Eddy Diaz (double) were the recipients of the runs. Carreras and Diaz both enjoyed multi-hit nights while Restituyo reached base three times. Restituyo extended his hit streak to a personal-best and current team-high seven games. Zac Veen also lengthened his hit streak to six contests.
The Rawhide grabbed a 4-2 lead in the bottom of the third from a Neyfy Castillo three-run homer and a Tim Tawa RBI triple. It was Castillo’s 16th longball of the year and Tawa’s first triple since joining Visalia. The advantage would grow from a Ryan Bliss RBI single in the fourth and Adrian Del Castillo sacrifice fly in the seventh.
Fresno starter Austin Kitchen (1-3) suffered the loss after five strong innings. He allowed five runs on eight hits and one walk while striking out a career-high six batters. He gave way to Juan Mejia, who recorded four outs, all via punchout. Will Tribucher wrapped up the final one and two-thirds frames, not allowing a base runner.
Visalia lefty Kyle Backhus (1-0) relished the decision after five stellar innings. He permitted two runs (zero earned) on two hits and walks while fanning six. Eric Mendez struck out six over three scoreless frames and Alex Valdez had a 1-2-3 ninth. The Grizzlies will look to even the series tomorrow afternoon from Valley Strong Ballpark.
Top Performers: Fresno Grizzlies (Colorado Rockies)
• SS Julio Carreras (2-4, 2 RBI)
• 2B Eddy Diaz (2-4, 2B, R)
• CF Bladimir Restituyo (1-2, R, BB)
Top Performers: Visalia Rawhide (Arizona Diamondbacks)
• RF Neyfy Castillo (2-4, HR, 2B, 3 RBI, R, SB)
• SS Ryan Bliss (3-4, 2B, RBI, 2 R, SB)
• LHP Kyle Backhus (5.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 6 K)
On Deck:
Sunday, August 22 @ Visalia Rawhide, Fresno RHP Tony Locey (1-0, 3.27) vs. Visalia RHP Ross Carver (0-2, 12.71), 1:00 pm PT
ON THAT FRES-NOTE:
Fresno has not a lost a road series this season (currently playing 8th road series).