Ruff, Grizzlies shake Quakes for third straight evening
Fresno, CA (Friday, July 2) – The Fresno Grizzlies (33-19) clawed past the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (25-26) 2-1 in front of a paid crowd of 6,969 Friday evening at Chukchansi Park. Fresno improved to 23-4 when allowing three runs or fewer and 15-1 against the Low-A West South division at
Fresno, CA (Friday, July 2) – The Fresno Grizzlies (33-19) clawed past the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (25-26) 2-1 in front of a paid crowd of 6,969 Friday evening at Chukchansi Park. Fresno improved to 23-4 when allowing three runs or fewer and 15-1 against the Low-A West South division at home (23-6 overall).
In the top of the third, Rancho Cucamonga grabbed a 1-0 advantage on a passed ball. Fresno regained control 2-1 in the bottom of the seventh after a single and wild pitch. Ezequiel Tovar doubled to lead off the frame and was the beneficiary run on a Grant Lavigne RBI single. Then, Lavigne raced home later on a wild pitch.
The one-run cushion didn’t affect the Grizzlies pitching staff. Starter Mike Ruff hurled a career-high six innings, allowing four hits, one run (unearned) while walking a pair and striking out eight. He gave way to Blair Calvo (1-1), who received his first win of the year. The righty went two scoreless frames, punching out a pair. Stephen Jones wrapped up the contest with a 1-2-3 ninth, picking up his fifth save.
Quakes starter Gavin Stone did not factor in the final line after chucking five shutout innings, fanning six. Aldry Acosta (1-2) suffered the decision after a tough seventh. Both clubs are back in action tomorrow night.
Top Performers: Fresno Grizzlies (Colorado Rockies)
• RHP Mike Ruff (6.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 8 K)
• SS Ezequiel Tovar (2-3, 2B, R)
• DH Grant Lavigne (1-3, RBI, R)
• 2B Eddy Diaz (made unbelievable defensive play)
Top Performers: Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (Los Angeles Dodgers)
• SS Eddys Leonard (1-4, 2B)
• RHP Gavin Stone (5.0 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 6 K)
• 1B Sauryn Lao (1-4)
On Deck:
Saturday, July 3 vs. Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, Rancho Cucamonga RHP Robbie Peto (0-2, 5.57) vs. Fresno RHP Anderson Amarista (0-1, 10.64), 6:50 pm PT
ON THAT FRES-NOTES:
Tonight’s contest lasted 1 hour and 57 minutes, the second quickest game for the Grizzlies this season (last night 1:55).
Bladimir Restituyo and Bryant Quijada both celebrated birthdays today for Fresno.
Eddy Diaz made an unreal defensive play at second base for the Grizzlies. You can see the full video on the Fresno Grizzlies Twitter account.