The Fresno Grizzlies (48-33) clawed past the Sacramento River Cats (36-46) 4-3 Saturday night from Raley Field. With the win, Fresno improved to 6-0 on Saturday road games. Starter Rogelio Armenteros celebrated his 24th birthday by earning his sixth win. He hurled five innings, scattering seven hits, three runs (earned),
The Fresno Grizzlies (48-33) clawed past the Sacramento River Cats (36-46) 4-3 Saturday night from Raley Field. With the win, Fresno improved to 6-0 on Saturday road games. Starter Rogelio Armenteros celebrated his 24th birthday by earning his sixth win. He hurled five innings, scattering seven hits, three runs (earned), walking one and fanning seven. Since his Triple-A debut on July 3rd, 2017, Fresno is 21-2 in his outings.
Jon Kemmer provided Fresno with a 1-0 lead in the top of the second when he spanked a double to right, plating Taylor Jones. In the top of the third, Myles Straw (2-for-5) led off with a double and waltzed home on a towering drive to left-center field by Sacramento-area native J.D. Davis (3-for-4). The two-run bomb made it 3-0 Grizzlies.
Davis continued pounding the ball, smashing a solo shot to right field in the visitor's half of the fifth. His second dinger of the evening put Fresno up 4-0. Davis became the fourth Grizzly in 2018 to record a multi-homer game. AJ Reed (June 10th vs. Oklahoma City), Tyler White (June 2nd at Albuquerque) and Kyle Tucker (May 30th at Albuquerque) were the other notables.
River Cats starter Casey Kelly (7-6, loss) lasted five innings. He permitted four runs (earned) on seven hits, three walks and four strikeouts. After he exited, Sacramento cut the deficit to 4-3 in the bottom of the sixth. First, Chris Shaw rocked a solo home run to right-center field. It was his team-high 15th of the season. Then, Myles Schroder doubled to center, knocking in Miguel Gómez (2-for-4). Finally, former Grizzly Eury Pérez (2-for-4) sharply singled to right, bringing in Schroder.
The Fresno bullpen maintained the 4-3 advantage, shutting the door. Dean Deetz punched out three of his four outs. Buddy Boshers added a scoreless inning and Brendan McCurry whiffed three en route to his ninth save.
Tucker's team-high 18-game hit streak ended with a 0-for-4 game. He was 35-for-80 (.438) in that span. The Grizzlies improved to 36-18 vs. the River Cats and 21-5 on the road since the affiliation switch in 2015 (7-1 in 2016 and 2017).
Both teams continue the series with the middle game of five Sunday afternoon from Raley Field. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 PT. Fresno RHP Josh James (2-3, 3.20) and Sacramento RHP Mike Connolly (0-0, 2.00) are the probable matchup.
