Tucson Pours it on to Defeat Fresno 9-5
April 22, 2007 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Fresno Grizzlies News Release
Fresno, CA- The Tucson Sidewinders scored three runs in the eighth inning on Fresno Grizzlies reliever Ryan Meaux to defeat Fresno 9-5 at a drizzly Chukchansi Park Saturday.
After a steady rain began midway through the game, Tucson added three insurance runs in the eighth after Meaux loaded the bases, then surrendered a three-run double to Tucson pinch-hitter Donnie Sadler to give the Sidewinders a 9-4 lead.
The Sidewinders took an early 3-0 lead in the third inning on Grizzlies starter Travis Blackley, but Tucson starter Evan MacLane got into a jam of his own. Fresno scored two runs in the bottom half of the inning- one on an RBI single by shortstop Kevin Frandsen, who led the Grizzlies with three hits and two runs scored. Third baseman Justin Leone's sacrifice fly to center scored Frandsen to make it 3-2 Tucson. The next hitter, Grizzlies' first baseman Scott McClain, was ejected from the game after he struck out looking to end the inning and argued the call with home plate umpire Joey Stegner. Chad Santos replaced McClain at first base for the Grizzlies.
The Grizzlies then took a 4-3 lead on a solo home run in the fourth by Dan Ortmeier and an RBI double by Santos in the fifth. Blackley's outing ended in the sixth after giving up a two-run double to right fielder Alex Romero that gave Tucson a 5-4 lead. Blackley allowed six runs (five earned) on six hits, two walks, and three strikeouts in five and two-thirds innings. Fresno brought in reliever Scott Munter to get out of the inning, but a Frandsen throwing error allowed Romero to score to give the Sidewinders a 6-4 lead.
In the ninth, Frandsen scored from third to make it 9-5 Tucson when reliever Bill Murphy balked. Murphy ended the Grizzlies rally and the game after getting Santos to strike out swinging in front of a crowd of 8,133.
"The offense is there," Frandsen said. "We're gonna string something together. And when we do, it'll be a fun time for us."
The Grizzlies return to Chukchansi Park tomorrow afternoon at 2:05 to host Tucson in game two of their four game series. The Grizzlies will send Tim Lincecum (2-0, 0.00 ERA) to the mound to face right-hander Enrique Gonzalez (0-1, 5.74). Prior to Sunday's game fans will be treated to a FREE autograph session with Grizzlies players, presented by ABC 30. The autograph session will be held in front of the team store from 12:45 to 1:30. After the game, kids will also get to run the bases like their favorite Grizzlies players, presented by Del Taco.
Pacific Coast League Stories from April 22, 2007
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- Royals Game Notes - Omaha Storm Chasers
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- Tucson Pours it on to Defeat Fresno 9-5 - Fresno Grizzlies
- Sidewinders Ride Crooked Numbers To Win Over Fresno - Tucson Sidewinders
- RedHawks rally from 5-0 deficit to win at Round Rock - Oklahoma City Comets
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