Brito and Sems blast bombs, but Grizzlies lose to Nuts again

Modesto, CA (Thursday, July 28) – The Fresno Grizzlies (55-38, 14-13) stumbled to the Modesto Nuts (46-47, 16-11) 11-4 Thursday night from John Thurman Field. Fresno lost their season-long seventh straight road game and fell to Modesto for the seventh consecutive time. The Grizzlies still hold the best overall record in the California League.

Fresno’s offense was kept at bay, as they only tallied four runs on seven hits. Ben Sems, Juan Brito and Adael Amador supplied two hits apiece. Sems smoked a two-run homer in the eighth, his third of the year. Brito also went deep, a solo shot in the fifth. It was his seventh clout of the season. Amador mustered a bunt single among his two hits. He would reach second on an error, swipe third and score on another Modesto mistake. Yorvis Torrealba laced the other hit while Cuba Bess walked twice and waltzed home once.

The Nuts lineup plated 11 runs on 11 hits and 11 walks, which included a seven-run seventh. Five starters spanked two hits each while three separate batters recorded multiple walks and RBI. Victor Labrada stayed hot in the series, reaching base five times. Labrada provided two hits and left the yard for the second straight evening. He finished with a double, three RBI, walks and runs. Walking Cabrera also had a solid game, driving in three runs on two hits and a walk. Edwin Arroyo and Robert Perez Jr. combined on four hits and three RBI in the triumph.

Grizzlies’ starter Victor Juarez (4-4) took the defeat after five innings of four-run ball. He permitted six hits and two walks while fanning three. Juan Mejia struck out a pair of hitters in a clean frame. Gabriel Rodriguez allowed seven runs and logged only one out. He issued four walks and allowed three hits. Bryce McGowan and birthday man Angel Chivilli tossed scoreless appearances. Nuts’ righty Sam Carlson (1-1) received the win after five innings of work. He gave up only one run despite beaning a trio of batters. Three relievers followed Carlson to wrap up the victory. Fresno looks to get back to their winning ways tomorrow night from Modesto.

Top Performers: Fresno Grizzlies (Colorado Rockies)

• 2B Juan Brito (2-4, HR, RBI, R, HBP)

• 3B Ben Sems (2-3, HR, 2 RBI, R, BB)

• SS Adael Amador (2-4, R, SB)

Top Performers: Modesto Nuts (Seattle Mariners)

• CF Victor Labrada (2-3, HR, 2B, 3 RBI, 3 R, 3 BB)

• DH Walking Cabrera (2-4, 3 RBI, R, BB)

• 1B Robert Perez Jr. (2-3, RBI, R, HBP)

On Deck:

Friday, July 29 @ Modesto Nuts, Fresno RHP Case Williams (8-2, 4.30) vs. Modesto RHP Jimmy Joyce (0-0, 0.00) , 7:05 pm PT

ON THAT FRES-NOTE:

13 batters came to the plate in Modesto’s seven-run seventh. Six of those 13 batters drew walks.