Early Runs, Bullpen Propel Grizzlies to 2-0 Start
A couple of early runs proved exactly enough for the Fresno Grizzlies improved to 2-0 on the young season after a 2-1 win over the Stockton Ports Saturday night at Chukchansi Park in Downtown Fresno. Ismael Luciano worked five solid innings to earn the win while the bullpen of Luke
A couple of early runs proved exactly enough for the Fresno Grizzlies improved to 2-0 on the young season after a 2-1 win over the Stockton Ports Saturday night at Chukchansi Park in Downtown Fresno.
Ismael Luciano worked five solid innings to earn the win while the bullpen of Luke Jewett, Tyler Hampu and Nathan Blasick slammed the door shut despite fight from the Ports offense.
The Grizzlies got on the board in the second after Kevin Fitzer was hit by a pitch to start the inning. Kelvin Hidalgo singled up the middle to move him into scoring position.
The next batter, Blake Wright, dribbled a groundball up the middle to plate Fitzer and give Fresno the lead. After a fielder’s choice moved Hidalgo to third, a wild pitch brought him home to score and double the Grizzlies lead to 2-0.
That would prove to be invaluable as the Stockton Ports pitching staff locked in. Aidan Layton got seven more outs before turning the ball over to Luke Anderson, who retired both hitters he faced.
The Grizzlies couldn’t break through during their final three at bats, either, as Wei En Lin struck out 7 batters, including the final six he faced in three innings of work.
But the Grizzlies’ pitching staff was up to the task with Luciano only ceding a solo homer to Jared Sprague-Lott in the 4th.
Luciano picked up the win, tossing five innings of one run ball and largely keeping the Ports at bay.
The bullpen was equally solid, despite having to navigate some tricky situations.
Luke Jewett’s first professional inning went to script with a three-up, three-down sixth inning. But after allowing a leadoff triple in the seventh, Jewett used a key strikeout and a groundout with the infield drawn in to lessen the pressure.
But a German Ortiz line-drive at 106 mph off the bat put a momentary scare into the thousands at Chukchansi Park before it found the glove of Hidalgo in the air.
Tyler Hampu also extinguished a blossoming threat after a leadoff walk in the eighth. Jamming Ali Camarillo to induce a soft comebacker toward the mound that Hampu fielded and threw to second. Roynier Hernandez got the out and saw the runner still near the plate before turning the throw to first for the double play.
Nathan Blasick, who earned the win on Friday night, worked a clean 9th to earn the first save of the season for the Grizzlies and slam the door shut.
The bullpen continued to flex its strength in the win for Fresno adding four scoreless innings of relief on Saturday to Friday night’s six scoreless innings between four relievers.
With the win, the Grizzlies assured themselves a series victory with a chance at the first sweep of the season.
The series concludes on Sunday at 1:05pm when fans can meet Bluey and Bingo in a photo opportunity presented by CalViva Health. Right-hander, and Rockies #5 prospect (MLB.com) Brody Brecht will make his professional debut against the Stockton Ports and right-hander Jefferson Jean.
------
The Fresno Grizzlies are a proud affiliate of the Colorado Rockies organization. During the 2024 season, the Grizzlies held several California League season records, including most attended game and highest overall attendance. The team plays at Chukchansi Park, a year-round venue that hosts numerous special events.
Comeback Bid Comes Up Short at Inland Empire
BOX SCORE A six-run outburst in the 6th inning wasn’t enough to overcome an early deficit as the Fresno Grizzlies (3-4) fell 14-8 to the Inland Empire 66ers (3-4) Friday night at San Manuel Stadium in San Bernardino. Down 9-1 after four innings, the Grizzlies fought back with one of
Reyes Homers but Grizzlies Fall at Inland Empire
BOX SCORE A solo home run was the only offense the Fresno Grizzlies (3-3) provided in a 5-1 loss to the Inland Empire 66ers (2-4) Thursday night at San Manuel Stadium in San Bernardino. Yeiker Reyes blasted a solo homer off Inland Empire starter Yeferson Vargas but that was all
Speedy Grizzlies Back Lebanon Johnson Jr. in Win
Through the first five games of the season, the Fresno Grizzlies (3-2) have shown the ability to strike out the opposition and to steal bases against them. They flexed both of those strengths in a 7-5 victory over the Inland Empire 66ers (1-4) Wednesday night at San Manuel Stadium in
Messy 5th Inning Costs Grizzlies Series Opener
BOX SCORE A pitcher’s duel was turned upside down after a messy fifth inning in the Fresno Grizzlies 10-3 loss to the Inland Empire 66ers Tuesday night at San Manuel Stadium. Fresno Grizzlies starter Bryan Mena gritted through the early innings to keep the Grizzlies in it, but a couple
Grizzlies Pack Pitching on Road Trip to Inland Empire
The Fresno Grizzlies begin their first road series of the season on Tuesday night when they take on the Inland Empire 66ers at 6:35pm at San Manuel Stadium in San Bernardino, California. The Grizzlies pack their strong pitching staff ahead of the road trip coming off of a terrific showing
Brecht's Strong Debut Overshadowed by Ports No-Hitter
Strong pitching from the Grizzlies was overshadowed by the Stockton Ports (1-2) combined no-hitter as Fresno (2-1) dropped the series finale 2-0 at Chukchansi Park Sunday afternoon in Downtown Fresno. Brody Brecht’s professional debut went according to plan on the mound as the right hander struck out 7 batters in
Tena's Punctuates Grizzlies Walk-Off Winner on Opening Day
Fans waiting for Opening Night Fireworks got an even better deal with free baseball and a walk-off 4-3 Fresno Grizzlies win in 11 innings over the Stockton Ports on Friday night. Felix Tena’s sacrifice fly punctuated a solid opening effort from the Grizzlies that relied on great pitching and timely
Fresno Grizzlies Introduce Exciting New Concession Value Menu for 2025 Season
Fresno (CA) – Enhancing the fan experience at Chukchansi Park, the Fresno Grizzlies are excited to announce a brand-new concession stand value menu debuting this season. This menu is the first of its kind at Chukchansi Park and will provide fans with exceptional value on several favorite items. Fans can
Fresno Grizzlies Baseball Set to Return This Weekend
Fresno, CA – Baseball returns to Chukchansi Park this weekend as the Fresno Grizzlies kick off their 2025 home season with an exciting three-game series against the Stockton Ports, beginning Friday, April 4. Fans can look forward to an unforgettable weekend packed with giveaways, postgame fireworks, and family-friendly promotions. Weekend
Colorado Rockies Announce 2025 Grizzlies Opening Day Roster
Fresno, CA – Headlined by two top five prospects in the organization and 16 familiar faces, the 2025 Fresno Grizzlies opening day roster has been set, the Colorado Rockies announced today. Outfielder Robert Calaz (#4-MLB.com) and pitcher Brody Brecht (#5-MLB.com) will open the season as Fresno Grizzlies leading an exciting
Fresno Grizzlies Announce Partnership with Palm and Shields Little League
Fresno, CA – The Fresno Grizzlies and the Palm and Shields Little League Committee of Cen Cal Sports are proud to announce a new community partnership to benefit the Palm and Shields Little League for the 2025 season. This exciting collaboration will see all of the league’s teams adopt Grizzlies-themed
Fresno Grizzlies Announce Thursday Night Specials Featuring Food Truck Battles and Beer Specials
Fresno (CA) – The Fresno Grizzlies are excited to announce their Thursday Daily Special for the 2025 season! Presented by Estrella Jalisco in partnership with Fresno Street Eats, Thursday nights at Chukchansi Park will offer fans exclusive beer deals and thrilling themed food truck battles at Chukchansi Park. Returning for
Fresno Grizzlies Announce Select 2025 Daily Specials
Fresno (CA) – The Fresno Grizzlies have unveiled a portion of their 2025 Daily Specials, aimed at providing fans with different ways to enjoy games throughout the season. With repeating specials on every game day, excluding Saturdays, fans can take advantage of discounts, bundles, and more. 2 for Tuesday, presented
Fresno Grizzlies Announce 2025 Front Office Changes
Fresno (CA) – In anticipation of the 2025 season, the Fresno Grizzlies are thrilled to announce the following new hires and promotions within the organization: - Rylie Atherton joins the Fresno Grizzlies as the team’s newest Account Executive, Ticket Sales directly after securing her Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Business from
Fresno Grizzlies Unveil 10th Anniversary Fresno Tacos Uniform
Fresno (CA) – This morning, the Fresno Grizzlies released the latest redesign in the storied history of their Fresno Tacos alter ego. The 2025 Tacos uniform is a celebration of 10 seasons of Tacos baseball, with the Grizzlies first making the transformation to their world-famous alter ego in 2015. As
Fresno Grizzlies Single Game Tickets On Sale Now
Fresno, CA - This morning, the Fresno Grizzlies went on sale with their full slate of 2025 Single Game Tickets. With Opening Day less than 2 months away, fans can now choose their top games and seats for any home game at Chukchansi Park this season. As part of their
Fresno Grizzlies Release 2025 Promotional Calendar
Fresno, CA - This morning, the Fresno Grizzlies unveiled their 2025 promotional schedule featuring 34 unique theme nights. With many popular nights returning as well as new additions to the theme night slate, this year’s promotional calendar once again ensures that there is something for everyone at Chukchansi Park this
Fresno Grizzlies Announce Coaching Staff for 2025 Season
Fresno, CA - The Fresno Grizzlies and Colorado Rockies have announced the Fresno field and support staff for the 2025 season. Cesar Galvez, who spent the last two seaons as the Grizzlies’ Bench Coach, has been named Manager of the Fresno Grizzlies. Also returning to the Fresno staff is Jerry
Fresno Grizzlies To Host Annual Job Fair February 8
Fresno, CA - The Fresno Grizzlies are preparing for the 2025 season by hosting their yearly job fair on Saturday, February 8. The annual hiring event aims to fill over 100 positions at the ballpark that are an integral part of the game-to-game success of the organization. “We love getting
Fresno Grizzlies Unveil 2025 Season Theme - IT HAPPENS HERE.
Fresno (CA) – This morning the Fresno Grizzlies revealed their 2025 season theme and tagline - IT HAPPENS HERE. From fun to excitement to making memories, everything happens at Chukchansi Park. With over 200 events per year, including Fresno Grizzlies baseball, Tequila Fest, and Taco Truck Throwdown, the downtown Fresno
Fresno Grizzlies Announce Tequila Fest To Be Headlined by Ludacris
Fresno (CA) – This morning, the Fresno Grizzlies announced that Tequila Fest, set to return to Chukchansi Park on Saturday, May 17, will be headlined by three-time Grammy Award-winning artist Ludacris. Continuing the tradition of national-headlining acts like T-Pain, Busta Rhymes, T.I., Lil Jon, and many more, 2025 Tequila Fest’s
Tequila Fest Set To Take Place On May 17 at Chukchansi Park
Fresno (CA) – This morning, the Fresno Grizzlies announced that Tequila Fest will return to Chukchansi Park on Saturday, May 17. Tequila Fest, which was awarded the title of Best Non-Gameday Event of 2023 by Minor League Baseball, is a celebration of local food, vendors, throwbacks, and, of course, tequila.
Fresno Grizzlies’ David Jacinto Wins 2024 California League Head Groundskeeper of the Year Award
Fresno, CA - The Fresno Grizzlies and Minor League Baseball are proud to announce that Grizzlies’ Groundskeeper David Jacinto has won the California League Head Groundskeeper of the Year Award. This is Jacinto’s third time winning the top groundskeeper honor in his career and his second recognition in the California
Taco Truck Throwdown 13 Set To Take Over Chukchansi Park This Saturday
Fresno, CA – Chukchansi Park will turn into the epicenter of the taco universe this Saturday, November 9th, as the downtown Fresno ballpark hosts its annual Taco Truck Throwdown. Now in its 13th year, the annual event will feature music from Larry June, Coyote, Los Del Puerto, wrestling from Lucha