Behind a six-run sixth, the Fresno Grizzlies (39-26) overwhelmed the New Orleans Baby Cakes (30-35) 9-2 Wednesday night from Shrine on Airline. Fresno starter Brock Dykxhoorn (1-0) enjoyed the run support, picking up his first Triple-A win (four starts). He hurled six and two-thirds frames, allowing two hits, one run
Behind a six-run sixth, the Fresno Grizzlies (39-26) overwhelmed the New Orleans Baby Cakes (30-35) 9-2 Wednesday night from Shrine on Airline. Fresno starter Brock Dykxhoorn (1-0) enjoyed the run support, picking up his first Triple-A win (four starts). He hurled six and two-thirds frames, allowing two hits, one run (earned), walking a pair and striking out a season-high nine. It was the third time in his career where he fanned nine or more batters. The most recent was almost three years ago, June 12, 2015, when he was with Class-A Quad Cities (10 versus Lansing).
Tyler White provided the Grizzlies a 3-0 lead in the top of the first when he smashed a three-run homer to center field. It was his 13th moonshot of the season and 58th in a Fresno uniform, tying him for sixth in franchise history.
Scott Van Slyke trimmed the deficit to 3-1 in the bottom of the fifth when he blasted a solo shot to left-center. It was his fifth longball of the year.
Baby Cakes' starter Pablo López (1-1) lasted five innings, suffering the loss. He scattered four hits, three runs (two earned), while walking one and punching out five.
In the top of the sixth, Fresno expanded the advantage to 9-1. First, Nick Tanielu (3-for-4) found green grass in center, knocking in a pair with a single. He would waltz home on a double to right field by Kyle Tucker (3-for-5). Finally, AJ Reed (2-for-5) cleared the bases with a three-run bomb to center. It was his sixth wallop in the last seven games, his 16th of the season (team-high) and his 65th as a Grizzly.
New Orleans added a second run in the bottom of the eighth with a sacrifice fly to left by Eric Campbell.
A 9-2 lead was enough for Ralph Garza, who whiffed Cito Culver to finish the game.
Jack Mayfield extended his team-high hit streak to 11 games. Tanielu recorded his highest hit total in Triple-A and collected his first multi-RBI game as well. Fresno improved to 14-3 in the first game of a set with the victory.
Both teams continue the series with the middle game of three Thursday night from Shrine on Airline. First pitch is scheduled for 5:00 PT. Grizzlies RHP Cy Sneed (6-2, 3.22) and Baby Cakes LHP Jarlin García (0-0, 9.00) are the probable pitchers.
