The Nashville Sounds (55-55) got back to .500 after defeating the Fresno Grizzlies (63-48) 6-2 Friday night from First Tennessee Park. For the first time this season, the Grizzlies were swept over a span of 28 series and six losing sets. They dropped to 0-7 all-time at First Tennessee Park
The Nashville Sounds (55-55) got back to .500 after defeating the Fresno Grizzlies (63-48) 6-2 Friday night from First Tennessee Park. For the first time this season, the Grizzlies were swept over a span of 28 series and six losing sets. They dropped to 0-7 all-time at First Tennessee Park (0-4 in 2016) and 15-9 versus the American conference.
Nashville lunged out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth. Steve Lombardozzi (2-for-3) waltzed home on a groundout to short by Anthony García. Then, Sheldon Neuse laced a single to right-center, adding Dustin Fowler (3-for-4). The advantage extended to 3-0 in the home half of the sixth when Garcia smoked a single to center, knocking in Lombardozzi. That would give him his team-leading 68th RBI of the season.
Garrett Stubbs (2-for-4) cut the deficit to 3-2 in the top of the seventh when he pounded a pitch over the right field wall. The two-run shot was his fourth of the year.
A three-run bottom of the eighth lengthened the Sounds lead to 6-2. A double play by Garcia netted Boog Powell. Then, a wild pitch pushed Lombardozzi across the plate. Finally, a Bruce Maxwell RBI double to left-center mustered in another run.
With a four-run advantage, Liam Hendriks shut the door on any Fresno comeback. He struck out two in the frame, finishing off an 11-punchout night for the home squad. Starter Frankie Montas (3-5) dazzled for six shutout innings en route to the victory. He scattered four hits and one walk while fanning seven.
On the other hand, Grizzlies starter Brady Rodgers (1-2) took the hard-luck loss. In five and two-thirds frames, he allowed three runs (earned) on six hits, no free passes and three whiffs. This was his fourth start since returning from Tommy John surgery.
Kyle Tucker collected three hits on the night, which would provide him with his 30th multi-hit game at Triple-A. AJ Reed expanded his season and current team-long hit streak to nine games with a bloop single in the eighth.
Fresno continues their week-long road trip with a four-game series in Memphis. The opener starts Saturday evening at 4:35 PT from AutoZone Park. RHP Trent Thornton (7-7, 3.91) gets the nod for the Grizzlies while the Redbirds counter with fellow righty Kevin Herget (8-7, 4.01).
