Betancourt and Sanchez continue their strong play as Fresno stumbles to San Jose 5-1

San Jose, CA (Saturday, August 12) – The Fresno Grizzlies (64-43, 28-13) suffered a 5-1 setback to the San Jose Giants (60-47, 20-21) Saturday evening from Excite Ballpark. The Grizzlies fell to 28-13 (.683) in the second half, 31-14 (.689) in their last 45 games and 41-17 (.707) in their last 58 contests. Fresno has lost five of their last six games overall and dropped the series to San Jose. It was the Grizzlies’ first series defeat since May 29-June 4 at San Jose, spanning nine series. Fresno holds a four-game lead over the Modesto Nuts in the second half standings with 25 contests to go (12 vs. one another).

The Grizzlies plated their lone run of the night just two batters into the game. Daniel Amaral spanked a leadoff single and swiped second to put himself into scoring position. Bryant Betancourt followed with a rocket single, adding Amaral. Fresno’s offense fell flat after that, notching just three more singles. The Grizzlies last hit landed in the fourth and their final base runner came in the sixth. Betancourt secured another multi-hit contest and Skyler Messinger reached base three times.

The Giants grabbed a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the third after the first three batters of the frame notched a hit. Dilan Rosario and Alexander Suarez whacked singles before racing home on a Turner Hill two-RBI double. Hill waltzed to the plate after a Diego Velasquez sacrifice fly. In the bottom of the sixth, P.J. Hilson put the finishing touches on the victory with a two-out, two-run clout to left field. It was Hilson’s second straight night going deep and 10th wallop of the year.

Fresno southpaw Albert Pacheco (5-2) was dealt his first loss since his debut with the team. Pacheco allowed a career-high nine hits and a season-worst five runs over six innings of work. Righty Sergio Sanchez dazzled for two perfect frames, fanning three. In his last three outings, Sanchez is 1-0 with six scoreless innings and nine punchouts. San Jose lefty Seth Corry did not factor in the decision after two frames of one-run ball. He gave way to Dylan Cumming (5-2, win), who locked up the Grizzlies lineup. Cumming provided six shutout innings, permitting two hits and a pair of walks while striking out five. Wilkelma Castillo wrapped up the win with a 1-2-3 ninth. The squads conclude the series tomorrow evening at 5:00 pm PT from the South Bay.

Top Performers: Fresno Grizzlies (Colorado Rockies)

• C Bryant Betancourt (2-3, RBI, BB)
• RHP Sergio Sanchez (2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K)
• 1B Skyler Messinger (1-2, 2 BB)
• RF Daniel Amaral (1-4, R, SB)

Top Performers: San Jose Giants (San Francisco Giants)

• RHP Dylan Cumming (6.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 5 K)
• RF P.J. Hilson (2-4, HR, 2 RBI, R)
• CF Turner Hill (1-4, 2B, 2 RBI, R)
• 2B Diego Velasquez (1-3, 2B, RBI)

On Deck:

Sunday, August 13 @ San Jose Giants, Fresno RHP Jake Madden (2-7, 5.83) vs. San Jose LHP Nomar Medina (4-5, 5.15), 5:00 pm PT

ON THAT FRES-NOTES:

The Grizzlies and Giants turned four double plays in the first four innings of the game. Fresno hit into three of those double plays, tied for the most on offense this season.

Tonight’s contest lasted 1 hour and 57 minutes, which is tied for the fourth fastest game by Fresno this season and their sixth under 2 hours (3-3 record). The Grizzlies and Giants have played three of those six sub-2 hour games, with two of them landing in this series. Fresno’s two fastest games have been against San Jose (1 hour and 50 minutes on August 9 and 1 hour and 51 minutes on July 9).