Grizzlies say goodbye to NOLA with 6-4 loss to 'Cakes

Fresno falls in 100th and final game against New Orleans

June 6, 2019

Metairie, Louisiana (Thursday, June 6) - The Fresno Grizzlies (29-31) dropped the rubber match to the New Orleans Baby Cakes (34-27) 6-4 from Shrine on Airline. Two former Grizzlies in catcher Tyler Heineman and pitcher Mike Kickham went deep in the win. Heineman clobbered a two-run clout in the second

Metairie, Louisiana (Thursday, June 6) - The Fresno Grizzlies (29-31) dropped the rubber match to the New Orleans Baby Cakes (34-27) 6-4 from Shrine on Airline. Two former Grizzlies in catcher Tyler Heineman and pitcher Mike Kickham went deep in the win. Heineman clobbered a two-run clout in the second inning while Kickham's solo shot tied the contest in the seventh. Kickham saw 12 pitches in the at-bat before yanking his second career dinger to right field. Yadiel Rivera added three hits and two runs for the Baby Cakes.
A four-run fifth inning highlighted the Grizzlies offense. Alec Keller spanked a single to left, notching Jake Noll. Then, Carter Kieboom walked with the bases-loaded. Finally, Yadiel Hernandez drove in a pair with a single to right. Both Keller and Hernandez enjoyed two hit affairs.
Fernando Rodney (0-1) suffered the decision after a rough eighth frame. Kickham (3-1) tallied the win after three shutout innings. He struck out five on two hits and a walk to go along with his tater. R.J. Alvarez quickly recorded his eighth save with a 1-2-3 ninth frame. Fresno finishes 49-51 all-time against New Orleans with a 20-32 road record.
Top Performers: Fresno Grizzlies (Washington Nationals)
• RF Yadiel Hernandez (2-3, 2 RBI, BB)
• LF Alec Keller (2-3, RBI, R)
• RHP Scott Copeland (2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K)
Top Performers: New Orleans Baby Cakes (Miami Marlins)
• LHP Mike Kickham (3.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K; 1-1, HR, RBI, R)
• C Tyler Heineman (1-4, HR, 2 RBI, R)
• LF Yadiel Rivera (3-4, 2 R, 2 SB)
ON THAT FRES-NOTE: Thursday evening was Fresno's 100th and final game against New Orleans, who will relocate from Louisiana to Wichita, Kansas for the 2020 season; Fresno went 49-51 all-time against the Zephyrs/Baby Cakes (20-32 road, 29-19 home).
There have been four former Grizzlies to homer against Fresno this season. Andrew Aplin of Reno, Jarrett Parker of Salt Lake, Mike Kickham of New Orleans and Tyler Heineman of New Orleans are the recipients of the feat. Kickham and Heineman both went deep Thursday night for the Baby Cakes.