Comeback Claws Appear For First Time In 2024 As Fresno Sneaks Past Modesto 3-2

May 10, 2024 – California League (CalL)
Fresno Grizzlies News Release

Fresno, CA – The Fresno Grizzlies (16-13) outlasted the Modesto Nuts (21-7) 3-2 Thursday night from Chukchansi Park. Fresno enjoyed their first comeback claws win of the season, snapping a six-game losing streak at home. The Grizzlies improved to 3-11 overall (2-7 at home) when their opponents score first and relished their first victory in one or two-run contests (1-7 overall). Fresno also won their first game when trailing after six innings (1-9 overall, 1-7 at home) and when plating three runs or less (1-9 overall, 1-6 at home). Fresno now trails Modesto by 5.5 games in the California League North Division standings. The Nuts are 42-9 over their last 51 games dating back to August 20, 2023 (including playoffs).

Modesto grabbed an early 2-0 lead after a pair of two-out ground-rule doubles. Jonny Farmelo made it 1-0 in the third when he lifted a pitch that bounced over the right field wall. Michael Arroyo added the other double in the fifth after ripping an offering down the left field line. The ball got stuck under the wall near the Nuts bullpen, permitting only one run (Milkar Perez) to score. Fresno cut the deficit to 2-1 in the bottom of the fifth when Jason Hinchman roped a single to left. In the seventh, Hinchman once again came up with the clutch hit, lining a double to the left-center gap. Two runs raced home, putting the Grizzlies ahead 3-2. The one-run cushion was just enough for the Fresno pitching staff to wrap up the contest.

Grizzlies’ southpaw Austin Emener did not factor in the decision despite an excellent four and two-thirds innings of work. Emener tied a career-high with seven strikeouts, his third time reaching that feat this year. Welinton Herrera (2-1, win) entered for Emener with runners in scoring position, punching out Lazaro Montes to end the threat. Herrera completed his evening with a season-high two and one-third scoreless frames of relief. The lefty gave up two walks and no hits while whiffing six, the most by a Grizzlies reliever in 2024. Bryson Hammer (Hold, 2) hurled a clean eighth, mustering one strikeout. Collin Baumgartner secured his first professional save after fanning Arroyo with two runners on in the ninth.

Nuts’ righty Elijah Dale also took a no-decision after four and two-thirds frames of one-run ball (zero earned). Dale issued five walks and struck out eight batters. Jack White (3-2) suffered the setback after allowing two runs over…