Fresno Report June 26 – July 2: Grizzlies post perfect week

The Houston Astros‘ Triple-A affiliate Fresno Grizzlies posted a perfect week, going 7-0 and extending their win streak to 10 games.

After a rough start to the year, the Fresno Grizzlies found their stride in June. They reached even greater heights this week, winning all seven of their games. The team’s offense continues to produce, while the pitching is improving. Here’s more on the team’s impressive run.

Finishing Strong at Home

Fresno opened a four-game series against Albuquerque with a 7-6 win in 10 innings on June 26. Tyler White drew a walk-off walk in the 10th after relievers Jordan Jankowski and Dayan Diaz combined to allow four runs in the top of the ninth. David Martinez gave up just one run in six innings with seven strikeouts. Colin Moran and Max Stassi each had three hits and a homer.

The Grizzlies took game two of the series with a 6-3 win on Tuesday. Charlie Morton made his second rehab start for Fresno, tossing four scoreless innings. Derek Fisher hit a three-run homer while White added a solo shot.

Fresno scored seven runs in the first three innings, propelling it to an 8-5 win on Wednesday. Trent Thornton notched his fifth win, giving up four runs (three earned) in five innings. Reid Brignac had a double and a two-run blast, while Moran added three singles and a walk.

Grizzlies pitching surrendered just one hit in an 8-0 win on Thursday, completing the four-game sweep. Joe Musgrove gave up that lone hit in his seven shutout innings, striking out seven. Fisher hit a two-run homer, while Tony Kemp and Preston Tucker combined for five hits, two triples and four RBIs. The win capped off a 9-3 homestand.

The Beat Goes On

Fresno began a four-game road series against Sacramento with an 8-7 win on Friday. Casey Coleman gave up six runs on 11 hits in 5.2 innings, taking a no-decision. Tucker had three hits, including a solo homer, while Kemp added three hits and two RBIs. The team tagged Giants ace Madison Bumgarner for four runs on seven hits in 3.2 innings in his rehab start.

The Grizzlies won their ninth straight game with an 8-1 win on Saturday. Dean Deetz earned the win, giving up one run on two hits in five innings. The struggling A.J. Reed had his first multi-hit game since June 11, adding a homer and two RBIs. Jon Kemmer reached base five times.

Fresno made it 10 in a row with a 4-2 win on Sunday. Martinez made another strong start, giving up two runs in 7.1 innings. Kemmer and Stassi had three hits apiece.

Player of the Week: Tony Kemp

Kemp is riding a 10-game hit streak and has hit safely in 20 of his past 21 games. He posted four multi-hit games in the six games he played this week, adding six RBIs. He’s pushed his batting average up to .330 on the season and is clearly be deserving of a major league spot. Unfortunately for him, there is no room on the roster in Houston.

Next: Astros: Were Devenski, Gonzalez, McCann, and Reddick snubbed?

What’s Next

Fresno will attempt to finish off its second consecutive sweep on Monday as it closes out the short trip. It will then return home for the last six games before the All-Star break, starting with three against Salt Lake. The Grizzlies then host Reno for three, including a doubleheader on Saturday. The team sits at 45-38 on the season and is now in second place in its division, trailing Reno by 5.5 games.

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