Error-riddled Grizzlies drop 10-9 walk-off to Nuts

Modesto, CA (Wednesday, July 27) – The Fresno Grizzlies (55-37, 14-12) suffered a 10-9 walk-off loss to the Modesto Nuts (45-47, 15-11) Wednesday night from John Thurman Field. Fresno lost their season-long sixth straight road game and stumbled to Modesto for the sixth consecutive time. The Grizzlies committed a season-worst six errors and agonized their fourth walk-off defeat of 2022.

For the second straight evening, Fresno had the majority of their hits land for extra-bases. Nine of the Grizzlies’ 12 hits went for extra-bags with seven different batters recording a double or better. Fresno has supplied 21 hits in the series with 16 of them going for extra-bases. The Grizzlies have tallied 11 doubles, four homers and one triple over two contests. On Wednesday, eight of the nine Fresno starters enjoyed a hit with the four infielders collecting eight hits and RBI.

Shortstop Adael Amador relished a wallop, double, walk and two RBI. Amador blasted a leadoff longball, his sixth time enjoying that feat. He has 12 clouts this year, tied for the second most on the club. Third baseman AJ Lewis crushed a three-run bomb to left in the third. Lewis’ second tater of the season was one of two hits for him on the night. Second baseman Juan Brito ripped three hits in a perfect evening at the dish, including a triple and double. He walked once and drove in two. Finally, first baseman Cuba Bess rocked a double and had a sacrifice fly.

Juan Guerrero, Yanquiel Fernandez and Zach Kokoska continued their hot stretches at the plate. Guerrero extended his hit streak to 10 games after a double. He has hit safely in 22 of his last 24 affairs. Kokoska and Fernandez both powered doubles with the latter mustering a late RBI. Catcher Braxton Fulford, center fielder Benny Montgomery and pinch-runner Ben Sems each waltzed home with runs.

Despite the outstanding effort on offense, the Grizzlies defense and pitching had less to be desired. Of the 10 runs allowed, only five of them were earned. Four separate players were tagged with an error, three for throwing and three for fielding. A dropped pop-up with two outs in the seventh was a major mistake by Fresno. Righty Brayan Castillo lasted four innings, permitting eight runs (four earned), on nine hits and two walks. Luis Amoroso tossed a pair of clean frames and Felix Ramires yielded an unearned run. Sergio Sanchez (7-2) took the loss after giving up the walk-off single.

The Nuts lineup collected 10 runs on 12 hits, six walks and six errors. Victor Labrada was the hero, pouring in seven RBI on three hits, including the game-winner in the ninth. Labrada demolished a three-run moonshot off of Castillo in the fourth. Ben Ramirez scored three times after a trio of hits and one walk. Ramirez was the beneficiary of the winning run. Walking Cabrera spanked two hits and Robert Perez Jr. drew a pair of walks. Starter Michael Morales did not factor in the decision after four rough frames. He allowed seven earned runs on eight hits. Jose Geraldo hurled two scoreless innings and Andrew Moore (2-1) was awarded the triumph. The clubs are back to battle tomorrow from Modesto.

Top Performers: Fresno Grizzlies (Colorado Rockies)

• SS Adael Amador (2-4, HR, 2B, 2 RBI, R, BB)

• 2B Juan Brito (3-3, 3B, 2B, 2 RBI, R, BB, SB)

• 3B AJ Lewis (2-4, HR, 3 RBI, R)

Top Performers: Modesto Nuts (Seattle Mariners)

• CF Victor Labrada (3-5, HR, 7 RBI, R)

• 3B Ben Ramirez (3-4, 2B, 3 R, BB)

• RF Walking Cabrera (2-5, 2B, RBI, R)

On Deck:

Thursday, July 28 @ Modesto Nuts, Fresno RHP Victor Juarez (4-3, 4.85) vs. Modesto RHP Sam Carlson (0-1, 5.00), 7:05 pm PT

ON THAT FRES-NOTE:

Juan Guerrero was ejected in the 9th inning for arguing balls and strikes. That was the first ejection by a Fresno player or coach this season.