In 2015, lefty Brett Oberholtzer was helping the Fresno Grizzlies secure their first championship in team history. On Friday, he stymied his former squad as the Albuquerque Isotopes (54-63) defeated the Grizzlies (67-50) 4-1 from Chukchansi Park. Oberholtzer (5-9, win) dazzled for seven innings, allowing one run (earned) on five
In 2015, lefty Brett Oberholtzer was helping the Fresno Grizzlies secure their first championship in team history. On Friday, he stymied his former squad as the Albuquerque Isotopes (54-63) defeated the Grizzlies (67-50) 4-1 from Chukchansi Park. Oberholtzer (5-9, win) dazzled for seven innings, allowing one run (earned) on five hits, while walking and whiffing one. This would tie his longest outing of 2018.
Matt Holliday gave the Isotopes a 1-0 lead in the top of the first when he demolished a pitch to the pool in left-center field. The solo dinger was his first since joining Albuquerque. It was also his first minor league homer since June 8th, 2008 when he was with Colorado Springs.
A three-run top of the third shoved the Isotopes ahead 4-0. Tom Murphy belted his 17th longball of the season, a solo shot to left field. Then, Mike Tauchman singled to right, plating Shawn O' Malley (2-for-5). Finally, Josh Fuentes slugged a ground-rule double to right, knocking in Garrett Hampson.
Fresno got on the board in the bottom of the fourth, making it 4-1. AJ Reed (2-for-4) legged out his fourth triple of the year and rumbled home on a Taylor Jones sacrifice fly to center. Reed's four triples rank him third overall on the team, but second among active roster players (Garrett Stubbs, 6).
Jerry Vasto and D.J. Johnson locked down the 4-1 victory after two scoreless frames of relief. Vasto punched out the side while Johnson secured his 15th save of 2018.
Brady Rodgers (1-3) suffered the decision after four innings of work. He was charged with four runs (earned), on seven hits, one free pass and four strikeouts. This was his fifth start since returning from Tommy John surgery (second home start). Ralph Garza, Dean Deetz and Matt Ramsey followed Rodgers, scattering two hits in five frames while fanning eight. Overall, the 12 punchouts pushed the Grizzlies season total to 1,117, the best in the PCL.
Nick Tanielu found green grass in the fifth, expanding the current team-high hit streak to nine games. Yordan Alvarez recorded another multi-hit affair in the defeat.
Both crews continue the set with game three of four Saturday evening from Chukchansi Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PT. Fresno RHP Trent Thornton (8-7, 3.82) and LHP Sam Howard (3-6, 5.50) are the probable matchup.
