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Fresno Report May 15-21: Grizzlies post another losing week

By Andrew Gleinser

Feb 26, 2017; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Houston Astros third baseman Colin Moran (19) warms up prior to a game against the Atlanta Braves at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2017; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Houston Astros third baseman Colin Moran (19) warms up prior to a game against the Atlanta Braves at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Houston Astros’ Triple-A affiliate Fresno Grizzlies posted their fourth consecutive losing week, going 3-4.

The Fresno Grizzlies continue to struggle. After posting a 2-4 record last week, the team marginally improved to 3-4 this week. This week’s games were the first seven of an eight-game homestand. They do have a chance to grab a series win on Monday, however.

Off on the Wrong Foot

Fresno opened a four-game series against Nashville with a 4-1 loss on May 21. Casey Coleman gave up four runs in 5.2 innings while Derek Fisher saw his 17-game hit streak snapped. Teoscar Hernandez and Juan Centeno notched two hits apiece.

The Grizzlies fell to Nashville 11-6 on Tuesday. David Martinez gave up nine runs (eight earned) in just 3.1 innings. Tyler White and Colin Moran homered, while Hernandez, Centeno and Tony Kemp each had two hits.

Fresno bounced back to win a thrilling 6-5 walkoff victory on Wednesday. Jon Kemmer tied the game with a homer in the eighth, but Dayan Diaz allowed a go-ahead solo homer in the top of the ninth. A.J. Reed then smashed a walkoff two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth to win. Fisher added three hits while David Paulino gave up three runs in six innings.

The Grizzlies lost the series, however, with a 13-3 loss on Thursday. Trent Thornton gave up nine runs in four innings of work. Fisher and Max Stassi homered to provide all the team’s offense.

On the Rise?

Fresno started off a four-game series against Memphis with a 10-2 win on Friday. Mike Hauschild gave up two runs on eight hits with five walks in 4.1 innings. Fisher had two hits including a homer. Seven different Grizzlies had an RBI while all nine starters reached base at least once.

Memphis evened the series on Saturday, defeating Fresno 4-2. Francis Martes went five innings, giving up two runs on two hits with four walks and seven strikeouts. Moran had two hits including a two-run homer.

The Grizzlies guaranteed themselves at least a series split with a 9-3 victory on Sunday. Coleman earned the win, giving up one run in five innings. Moran hit a three-run homer while Reid Brignac went 4-for-4 with three doubles and two RBIs.

Player of the Week: Colin Moran

Moran is in the middle of a hot streak right now. He hit safely in all seven games this week, including three multi-hit games. He added three homers and drove in eight runs and also walked four times. Moran is currently sporting a nine-game hit streak and has raised his season average to .283.

Next: Astros Injury News: Dallas Keuchel to the DL; Brad Peacock to start Monday

What’s Next

Fresno will attempt to grab its first series win since April 18-21 when it closes out the homestand against Memphis on Monday. The Grizzlies will then hit the road for four games against division rival Tacoma before returning home for four games against Albuquerque. They sit at 18-26, third place in their division and 10 games behind first-place Tacoma.

***Statistics courtesy of MiLB.com***