Fresno Recap July 3-9: Grizzlies finish strong before break

The Houston Astros’ Triple-A affiliate Fresno Grizzlies posted another winning week, finishing strong before the All-Star break.

The Grizzlies started the week on a 10-game win streak, and though the streak is no longer active, they did extend it a little farther. The team posted a 4-3 record overall this week, continuing its rebound from a rough start. Here are the week’s highlights.

The Streak Continues

The Grizzlies extended their win streak to 11 with a 4-2 win at Sacramento on July 3. David Martinez made another strong start, giving up two runs in 7.1 innings. Jon Kemmer and Max Stassi posted three hits apiece. The win completed a four-game road sweep.

Fresno opened the homestand with its 12th straight win, a 5-4 victory over Salt Lake on Tuesday. Trent Thornton settled for a no-decision, giving up two runs in five innings with seven strikeouts. Colin Moran had two hits and two RBIs, while Derek Fisher and Preston Tucker also had two hits each.

Snapped by a Skid

The Grizzlies could not get No. 13 as they fell 19-7 to Salt Lake on Wednesday. Starter Casey Coleman gave up seven runs on five hits with six walks in five innings. Reliever Brian Holmes surrendered 11 runs (10 earned) in 2.2 innings. Tyler White hit a three-run homer and A.J. Reed added a solo blast.

Fresno lost the rubber match of the three-game series 10-5 on Thursday. Starter Dean Deetz coughed up six runs in just 1.1 innings. Fisher hit a two-run homer, while Kemmer and Tony Kemp had two hits and an RBI apiece.

The Grizzlies started a three-game series against division leader Reno with an 8-5 loss on Friday. Pitching on short rest, Martinez gave up three runs in four innings. Teoscar Hernandez hit a two-run blast, and Kemp also went yard. Moran added three hits and a walk.

Double Dipping

Fresno won the first game of a doubleheader 2-1 on Saturday in seven innings. Starter Rogelio Armenteros gave up just one run in six innings. Tucker and Reid Brignac each hit a solo homer.

The Grizzlies swept the doubleheader, winning 9-2 in seven innings in Saturday’s second game. Kyle Smith earned the win, giving up two runs in five innings. Reed had three hits, including a three-run blast. Moran had three hits and a solo dinger, while Alejandro Garcia had two hits and three RBIs. The team did not play on Sunday.

Player of the Week: Tony Kemp

Kemp got the honor last week, and he’s an obvious choice this week as well. His hit streak now sits at 17 games going into the break. He also posted three multi-hit games this week, including one homer and four RBIs. His average is up to .331 on the season after hitting safely in 27 of his last 28 games.

Next: Three numbers and the Astros offense is no joke

What’s Next

The Grizzlies resume play on Thursday following the break with a four-game road series at Tacoma. This is the first half of an eight-game road trip. Fresno is now 49-41 on the year, just five games behind division leader Reno.

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