Pendulum-like game swings in San Jose’s favor 11-7 against Fresno 

San Jose, CA (Friday, August 11) – The Fresno Grizzlies (64-42, 28-12) dropped an 11-7 contest to the San Jose Giants (59-47, 19-21) Friday night from Excite Ballpark. The Grizzlies fell to 28-12 in the second half, 31-13 in their last 44 games and 41-16 in their last 57 contests. Fresno has lost four of their last five games overall, but moved to 8-4 over their last 12 contests against San Jose. The Grizzlies stumbled to 20-9 this season when a game lasts longer than 2 hours and 40 minutes (17-3 after 2:46).

In a back-and-forth game (six lead changes), the clubs combined to plate 18 runs on 25 hits, six walks, three hit-by-pitches and a trio of errors. Fresno tallied a run in five of their nine innings, which included two runs in both the third and fourth frames. San Jose recorded multiple runs in five of their eight innings. The Giants matched or beat the Grizzlies in four of the five frames that they scored in. The top five batters of the Fresno lineup notched eight hits with two of them landing for triples (tied for the most in a 2023 single game). They also drove in five RBI, raced home for five runs, walked three times and swiped one base. The Giants offense mashed 16 total hits, which included two homers and one double. Five San Jose starters collected multi-hits and three batters posted two or more RBI.

Grizzlies’ leadoff hitter Jake Snider enjoyed a career-night thanks to a triple, walk and three runs scored. Snider extended his hit streak to six games in the process. Two-spot Bryant Betancourt reached base three times, waltzing home twice and picking up one RBI. Dyan Jorge relished another two hits and one RBI in the three-hole. Cleanup batter Andy Perez roped a triple and single, bringing in a pair of runs. He also lengthened his hit streak to six contests. Daniel Amaral and EJ Andrews Jr. mustered the other Fresno RBI in the setback.

The Giants blasted a pair of two-run, go-ahead bombs in the second and fourth innings. Anthony Rodriguez and P.J. Hilson were the recipients of the longballs. They combined for a trio of hits, six RBI and three runs. Turner Hill was not retired, reaching base five times. Hill spanked four singles and scampered home twice. Diego Velasquez yielded another three-hit evening, thumping a two-RBI double in the third. Tanner O’ Tremba also reached base four times, providing a key RBI and three runs. Dilan Rosario and Alexander Suarez put the game out of reach in the sixth with RBI singles. Suarez ripped three hits in the triumph.

Fresno lefty Caleb Franzen (3-4) suffered the decision after exiting in the fifth inning. Franzen allowed six runs (four earned), on nine hits (two clouts) and no walks while fanning five. Wuardo Fernandez was a bright spot out of the Grizzlies bullpen, stranding a pair of runners thanks to a season-high three punchouts. San Jose starter Manuel Mercedes was roughed up over four frames of work. He permitted five runs (four earned) on seven hits and two walks. The relief duo of Tyler Vogel (6-7, win) and Cody Tucker stymied the Fresno lineup. They tossed five innings of two-run ball, giving up a pair of hits and walks while striking out nine. The series continues tomorrow night from the South Bay.

Top Performers: Fresno Grizzlies (Colorado Rockies)

• DH Jake Snider (1-4, 3B, 3 R, BB)
• 1B Bryant Betancourt (2-4, RBI, 2 R, BB)
• 3B Andy Perez (2-5, 3B, 2 RBI)
• LF Daniel Amaral (1-2, RBI, BB, SB)
• SS Dyan Jorge (2-5, RBI)

Top Performers: San Jose Giants (San Francisco Giants)

• CF Turner Hill (4-4, 2 R, BB, SB, 2 CS, 2 PO)
• RF P.J. Hilson (1-2, HR, 3 RBI, 2 R, HBP)
• 3B Anthony Rodriguez (2-4, HR, 3 RBI, R)
• 1B Tanner O’Tremba (2-3, RBI, 3 R, HBP, SB)
• SS Diego Velasquez (3-5, 2B, 2 RBI, R, PO)

On Deck:

Saturday, August 12 @ San Jose Giants, Fresno LHP Albert Pacheco (5-1, 3.99) vs. San Jose LHP Seth Corry (0-1, 8.00), 6:00 pm PT

ON THAT FRES-NOTE:

Caleb Franzen picked off three batters on the night (two at first, one at second). The Giants were also caught stealing four times.