Astros Minor League Recap Aug 6-12: Fresno rebounds after rough week

The Houston Astros’ Triple-A affiliate Fresno Grizzlies rebounded from a tough week to post a 4-2 record.

After a poor 2-4 showing last week, the Fresno Grizzlies rebounded and reversed that performance. Thanks to some strong offensive performances and a few solid outings on the mound, the team posted a 4-2 record and extended its division lead to seven games.

Winning in Memphis

After splitting the series’ first two games, Fresno took game three in Memphis 12-3 on Aug. 6. Making his first start since May 4, Kent Emanuel tossed five scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and one walk. Jack Mayfield hit a grand slam, while A.J. Reed and Yordan Alvarez each launched a three-run homer. Kyle Tucker also went deep and scored three times.

The Grizzlies took Tuesday’s series finale in a 15-14 slugfest. Starter Cy Sneed lasted just 1.1 innings, surrendering seven runs. Mayfield finished a single shy of the cycle, driving in four. Reed homered and doubled, driving in five, while Tucker had four hits, including a homer, and three RBIs. Nick Tanielu added three hits, including a two-run blast.

A Split at Home

Following a day off on Wednesday, Fresno opened a four-game home series against Albuquerque with a 3-2 victory on Thursday. Rogelio Armenteros settled for a no-decision despite giving up just one run in six innings. Tanielu hit a two-run homer, while Tucker added a solo shot. Alvarez chipped in with two hits and a walk.

The Grizzlies fell in the series’ second game by a 4-1 margin on Friday. Brady Rodgers surrendered four runs in four innings to take the loss. Reed went 2-for-4 with a triple, while Alvarez was 2-for-3.

Albuquerque drubbed the Grizzlies 10-0 on Saturday. Fresno’s lone hit came in the ninth inning on a Garrett Stubbs double. Starter Trent Thornton lasted just 1.2 innings, giving up four runs on four hits and two walks.

Fresno salvaged a split, winning Sunday’s series finale 9-4. Josh James improved his record to 6-4, surrendering three runs in 5.2 innings with six strikeouts. Alvarez and J.D. Davis each went deep, while Stubbs drove in two. Myles Straw stole two bases, while Taylor Jones and Alex De Goti each had a pair of doubles.

Player of the Week: A.J. Reed

Reed played in five of the team’s six games this week and hit safely in four of them. He went deep twice and drove in nine runs in that five-game span, hitting .333 for the week.

His 96 RBIs on the season (in 106 games) lead the league by a double-digit margin. He’s also tied for third in the league in homers and is fifth in total bases. His slash line for the season thus far is .266/.360/.524.

What’s Next

The Grizzlies wrap up the homestand with three games against Las Vegas beginning Monday. They’ll then hit the road for four games at Tacoma starting on Thursday. Fresno sits at 68-51 on the season, leading the division by an even seven games.