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Fresno Report May 22-28: Grizzlies post fifth consecutive losing week

By Andrew Gleinser

Mar 14, 2017; West Palm Beach, FL, USA; Houston Astros third baseman Colin Moran (19) fields a ground ball against the New York Mets during a spring training game at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2017; West Palm Beach, FL, USA; Houston Astros third baseman Colin Moran (19) fields a ground ball against the New York Mets during a spring training game at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Astros’ Triple-A affiliate Fresno Grizzlies continue to struggle, posting their fifth consecutive losing week.

The beat rolls on in Fresno. The Grizzlies continue to languish in mediocrity, posting a 3-4 record this week and again failing to win a series. The Astros‘ affiliate woeful pitching is the main culprit, though the offense was shut out twice this week.

A Missed Opportunity

The Grizzlies had a chance to take three of four from Memphis, but instead fell 9-0 on May 22 in the series finale. Starter David Martinez pitched well, giving up two runs in 6.1 innings. Reliever Ryan Thompson coughed up seven runs in the top of the ninth inning. Catcher Eduardo de Oleo was 2-for-3 at the plate.

Split Decision

Fresno started a four-game road series at Tacoma on Tuesday, losing 8-0. Starter David Paulino gave up five runs (four earned) in five innings. Tyler White and Derek Fisher had two hits apiece.

The Grizzlies dropped the second game of the series 5-3 on Wednesday. Starter Trent Thornton gave up three runs (two earned) in four innings. White had three hits, including a two-run homer, and Tony Kemp went 2-for-4.

Fresno snapped the skid with a 5-2 victory on Thursday. Starter Mike Hauschild gave up two runs in 5.2 innings. Preston Tucker hit a two-run homer, Colin Moran had two RBIs and A.J. Reed was 2-for-4 with an RBI.

The Grizzlies salvaged a series split with an 8-7 win in 10 innings on Friday. Francis Martes struck out nine in 5.2 innings, giving up two runs (one earned) on six hits with only one walk. Kemp had four RBIs on a double and a home run, while Moran and Jon Kemmer had a homer and two RBIs apiece.

Home Again, Home Again

Fresno opened a four-game home series against Albuquerque with an 11-6 loss on Saturday. Starter Casey Coleman gave up seven runs (six earned) in 6.2 innings. Fisher was 3-for-5 with an RBI, while Moran, Tucker and Reid Brignac had two hits each.

The Grizzlies evened the series on Sunday with a 7-0 victory. David Martinez tossed seven shutout innings, allowing just two hits while striking out eight. Reed, Fisher, Tucker and Max Stassi all homered to back the strong pitching performance.

Player of the Week: David Martinez

After an awful start to the year, Martinez made undoubtedly his two best starts this week. He gave up two runs in 6.1 innings on May 22, taking a hard luck loss, and then came back with seven scoreless frames on Sunday. He lowered his season ERA nearly two full points with these last two starts. Fresno will need more outings like these if it’s going to turn its season around.

Next: Astros in Fantasy: Best and Worst Performances – Week Eight

What’s Next

The Grizzlies complete their four-game series against Albuquerque on Monday and Tuesday before a day off on Wednesday. They will then host Tacoma for four games beginning on Thursday. Fresno sits at 21-30 on the season, 11 games behind Tacoma in their division.

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