Fresno Report May 8-14: Grizzlies continue to struggle

The Houston Astros’ Triple-A affiliate Fresno Grizzlies trudged through another difficult week.

The Fresno Grizzlies struggled again this week, posting a 2-4 record. The team has now gone just 6-13 over the last three weeks. The pitching staff continues to struggle, as it has done for much of the season. Fresno finished 2-7 on its nine-game road trip.

Getting Swept

After losing the first two at Colorado Springs, the Grizzlies fell 12-5 in game three on May 8. Francis Martes gave up four runs in 3.2 innings, and the bullpen coughed up four runs in each of the seventh and eighth innings. Derek Fisher hit a three-run homer while Max Stassi and Juan Ceteno had two hits and an RBI apiece.

The Sky Sox finished off the four-game sweep, defeating the Grizzlies 8-5 on Tuesday. Casey Coleman gave up six runs (five earned) in 4.2 innings. Fisher reached base three times while Andrew Aplin drove in two runs.

Split Decision

After a day off Wednesday, Fresno opened a four-game series at Oklahoma City with a 5-3 win on Thursday. Starter David Paulino pitched three shutout innings as David Martinez earned the win in relief. Tony Kemp and Preston Tucker drove in two runs apiece.

The Fresno offense was limited to just three hits on Friday as OKC won the game 5-2. Starter Trent Thornton gave up four runs in 5.1 innings. Fisher had the team’s only RBI with a solo home run.

The Grizzlies bounced back for a 6-4 win on Saturday. Starter Mike Hauschild gave up two runs in four innings. Kemp and A.J. Reed each reached base three times and drove in a run while Fisher added three hits.

Fresno settled for a series split on Sunday, falling 14-5. Martes gave up five runs (four earned) in three innings. Kemp went 5-for-5 with two RBIs while Colin Moran added a solo homer.

Player of the Week: Derek Fisher

For the second week in a row, Fisher carries the distinction. He’s pushed his hitting streak to 17 games and raised his season average to .333. He added two homers and six RBIs this week.

Though the team as a whole has struggled of late, Fisher continues to be the hot hand. He could find himself in the majors later this season if he continues to play at a high level.

Next: Does the Astros strong start classify as a surprise performance?

What’s Next

The Grizzlies begin an eight-game homestand on Monday — four against Nashville and four against Memphis. They now sit in last place in their division, trailing Tacoma by nine games.

**Statistics courtesy of MiLB.com**