Cesar Valdez and Grizzlies sweep Cats 4-0
Cesar Valdez (3-1) and the Fresno Grizzlies swept in-state foe the Sacramento River Cats 4-0 Thursday night. The victory extended the Grizzlies win streak to a season-high five games; and secured their second sweep of the year (Oklahoma City: May 23-26). Valdez dazzled with a complete game shutout, allowing one hit, one walk and punching out ten.
The Grizzlies recorded a run in the top of the first when Matt Duffy hit a RBI single to right, scoring Nolan Fontana. His 24th RBI of the year gave them a 1-0 lead.
Fresno added another run in the top of the fourth after Preston Tucker hit a home run to right. His third homer of the season gave them a 2-0 advantage.
River Cats' starter Chris Heston (1-8) succumbed to defeat after throwing seven and one-third innings. He allowed three runs (all earned), on seven hits and striking out one.
The Grizzlies scored in the top of the eighth when A.J. Reed (3-for-4) hit a RBI single to right, scoring Andrew Aplin. This was off Sacramento' reliever Braulio Lara, who entered for Heston. Fresno led 3-0 after eight innings.
Finally, Eury Perez hit a RBI single in the hole to short, leading to an insurance run in the top of the ninth to extend the lead to 4-0.
The final run was not needed as Cesar Valdez went the distance. A strike out of newly-acquired Ruben Tejada ended the game and secured a Grizzlies victory.
The Grizzlies head to Tacoma, Washington to face the Rainiers for a four-game series starting Friday night. Game time is at 7:05 PT. The pitchers' duel will feature a pair of Joe's as it is Fresno RHP Joe Musgrove (2-2, 4.34) versus Tacoma RHP Joe Wieland (4-4, 8.29).