The Fresno Grizzlies (69-51) blanked the Las Vegas 51s (60-60) 4-0 Monday night from Chukchansi Park. For the first time since July 5th, the Grizzlies completed a shutout (also against the 51s). Fresno improved to 22-9 in series openers (12-4 at home) and dropped their magic number to 13. Starter
The Fresno Grizzlies (69-51) blanked the Las Vegas 51s (60-60) 4-0 Monday night from Chukchansi Park. For the first time since July 5th, the Grizzlies completed a shutout (also against the 51s). Fresno improved to 22-9 in series openers (12-4 at home) and dropped their magic number to 13.
Starter Kent Emanuel (5-2) enjoyed the victory after six scoreless innings. He scattered three hits and two walks while fanning a season-high eight batters. Since his return to the rotation (two starts), he has not allowed a run in 11 frames while striking out 13 batters. The team rose to 6-1 in starts made by Emanuel.
Fresno bounced out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth. An infield single by Taylor Jones netted Nick Tanielu. Then, after doubling to left, Jamie Ritchie (2-for-4) waltzed home on an Alex De Goti double down the left field line.
That advantage would grow to 3-0 in the bottom of the fifth when Myles Straw (run) and Yordan Alvarez (RBI) rocked back-to-back doubles. In the home half of the sixth, Alfredo Angarita picked up his first Triple-A RBI with a sacrifice fly to center field, making it 4-0 Grizzlies.
After Emanuel left the game, Dean Deetz came in and continued the strong pitching performance. He went two innings, whiffing four hitters. In 14 Triple-A outings, he has punched out 37 in 21 and one-third frames. Finally, Riley Ferrell completed the shutout after working a clean ninth. On the night, the staff struck out 13 batters, bringing the season total to 1,136 (best in the PCL).
Las Vegas starter P.J. Conlon (3-8) suffered the loss after four and two-thirds frames of three-run ball. He was charged with five hits, one free pass and three whiffs. The 51s managed only four hits with two going for extra-bases.
Both squads continue the set with the middle game of three Tuesday evening from Chukchansi Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PT. Las Vegas RHP Nabil Crismatt (3-3, 8.90) and Fresno LHP Framber Valdez (1-0, 3.00) are the probable matchup. It will be Valdez' first Triple-A start.
