Astros Minor League Recap: Fresno Grizzlies split season’s first four games

The Astros’ Triple-A affiliate Fresno Grizzlies split the first four games of the 2018 season.

Through the first four games of the 2018 season, this year’s Grizzlies look a lot like the 2017 Grizzlies. Questionable pitching and strong offense were the team’s hallmarks last year, and this year looks much the same for the Astros’ affiliate.

After dropping the first two games on the road to Reno, Fresno fought back to win the next two. They face a series-deciding game on Monday before their first homestand of the year.

Game Recaps

The Grizzlies dropped the season opener 10-2 on Thursday. Starter Mike Hauschild coughed up seven runs on seven hits and three walks in 2.1 innings. Drew Ferguson notched three hits and a walk. Kyle Tucker, in his Triple-A debut, went 2-for-4 with a walk.

Fresno fell in game two of the series on Friday by a score of 8-4. Starter Trent Thornton gave up four unearned runs in 2.2 innings. Tucker doubled and hit a two-run homer, while Tyler White added two hits and an RBI.

The Grizzlies bounced back with the bats, winning Saturday’s game 15-8. Francis Martes surrendered three runs on six hits with five walks in 3.2 innings. Jack Mayfield finished a triple shy of the cycle, driving in five. White had three hits and two RBIs, while Tucker went 1-for-6 with four strikeouts.

Fresno evened the series on Sunday, winning 9-4. Starter Rogelio Armenteros gave up three runs on six hits with six strikeouts in 4.1 innings. A.J. Reed reached base three times and drove in two runs. Ferguson singled and drew three walks, while Tucker singled and walked twice.

Player of the Week: Jack Mayfield

Mayfield leads the team in OPS through the first four games. Most of his damage came in his monster game on Saturday that included a grand slam. He also added a solo homer on Friday and reached base safely in all four games. The 27-year-old is also versatile, starting three games at shortstop and one at third base.

Next: Astros get an unusual win in the 10th inning

What’s Next

The Grizzlies play the rubber match of the series against Reno on Monday before heading home. They begin a three-game series against Tacoma on Tuesday before hosting Reno for four games starting Friday. Fresno sits at 2-2 on the young season, tied for first in the division.

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