Grizzlies drop 3-1 pitcher’s duel to Giants in Game 1

Fresno, CA (Tuesday, September 21) – The Fresno Grizzlies (0-1) dropped Game 1 of the Low-A West Championship series 3-1 to the San Jose Giants (1-0) Tuesday night from Chukchansi Park. Fresno and San Jose have met 31 times this year (30 regular season games) and have had 21 of those contests decided by one or two runs.

In the top of the first, the Giants seized a 1-0 lead when Patrick Bailey grounded into a force out, scoring Abdiel Layer. The Grizzlies tied the affair at one when Zac Veen poked a two-out, full-count pitch to left field, plating Warming Bernabel. San Jose grabbed the advantage and never relinquished it in the fourth when Luis Toribio doubled in Ghordy Santos. Toribio would make it 3-1 in the seventh when he launched a solo shot to center field. It was the only clout of the game.

Veen and Bernabel finished the evening with two singles apiece, the only four hits by the Fresno offense. Julio Carreras and Veen each walked with Carreras swiping a base. Starter Austin Kitchen (0-1) suffered the loss despite tossing a career-high six innings. Kitchen allowed a trio of runs on eight hits and two walks while fanning three. Blake Goldsberry, Juan Mejia and Tanner Propst combined for three scoreless frames, giving up two hits and punching out a pair.

The Giants lineup recorded 10 hits with three batters notching two or more of them. Toribio blasted a tater and double, picking up two of the three RBI. Aeverson Arteaga tallied a triple among his two hits and Santos reached base three times, two via singles. Lefty Kyle Harrison (1-0) enjoyed the decision after six and one-third innings of solid work. He struck out six and permitted one earned run. Randy Rodriguez (hold) and Cole Waites (save) wrapped up the win with two and two-thirds shutout frames. The clubs are back in action tomorrow night for Game 2 of the best-of-five series from Chukchansi Park. First pitch is at 6:50 pm.

Top Performers: Fresno Grizzlies (Colorado Rockies)

• RF Zac Veen (2-3, RBI, BB)

• DH Warming Bernabel (2-3, R)

• Grizzlies pitching (9.0 IP, 10 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 K)

Top Performers: San Jose Giants (San Francisco Giants)

• 1B Luis Toribio (2-4, HR, 2B, 2 RBI, R)

• SS Aeverson Arteaga (2-4, 3B)

• Giants pitching (9.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 9 K)

On Deck:

Wednesday, September 22 vs San Jose Giants, Game 2 of the Low-A West Playoffs/Championship, San Jose RHP Carson Ragsdale (8-6, 4.43) vs. Fresno RHP Tony Locey (3-0, 3.34), 6:50 pm PT

ON THAT FRES-NOTE:

The Grizzlies hand the ball to Tony Locey tomorrow. Fresno is 20-5 in games pitched by Locey and 9-1 when he starts.