Homers Spark Grizzlies to Overcome Early Deficit in 7-5 Win

BOX SCORE

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – The Fresno Grizzlies climbed out of an early four-run hole and put together a decisive four-run eighth to close out a 7-5 win over the Inland Empire 66ers on Friday night at San Manuel Stadium.

Inland Empire jumped out in front early, scoring three times in the first on a double steal and a pair of run-scoring hits, then adding another in the fourth to build a 4-0 lead.

Angel Jimenez battled through a shaky start but struck out nine over five innings

The Grizzlies started clawing back in the fifth.

Ronny Ugarte reached on an error, and Jack Natili turned around a pitch for a two-run homer to center, cutting the deficit to 4-2.

Fresno trimmed it further in the seventh when Ugarte led off with a solo homer deep to right center, pulling the Grizzlies within one at 4-3.

The Grizzlies delivered the knockout blow in the eighth.

Cort MacDonald walked, and Wilder Dalis singled him to second before Cristian Arguelles ripped a double to right center scoring both runners in to tie the game.

Daniel Jackson followed with a two-run single to give Fresno the lead, and a fielding error and a passed ball tacked on another run, capping a four-run frame that put the Grizzlies in front 7-4.

Ethan Cole picked up the win with four strong innings of one-run relief, striking out six to secure the comeback victory.

Inland Empire got one back in the ninth on a pinch-hit RBI single, but it wasn't enough, and Cole closed out the 7-5 win.

Natili's homer and Ugarte's two-homer night were the offensive highlights, while Arguelles and Jackson each drove in runs during the decisive eighth-inning rally.

Dalis and Sebastian Blanco each chipped in two hits, and Fresno finished with nine hits as a team despite battling traffic on the bases most of the night.

The win keeps Fresno in second place in the California League North as the Grizzlies continue the series Saturday night behind Brady Parker.

The 6:35pm start will be a pivotal fifth game with the series tied two games apiece.

The Chukchansi Gold Pregame Show begins at 6:20pm on FresnoGrizzlies.com/listen.

ABOUT THE FRESNO GRIZZLIES

The Fresno Grizzlies are a proud affiliate of the Colorado Rockies organization. The club advanced to the California League playoffs in 2025 and continues to post some of Minor League Baseball's highest attended games. The 2026 season marks the Grizzlies' 25th year in Downtown Fresno.