The Fresno Grizzlies (3-0) showed their comeback claws Thursday evening; scoring two runs in the ninth to beat the San Jose Giants (0-3) 2-1 from Excite Ballpark. Fresno has now won nine straight contests dating back to 2019.
In the bottom of the eighth, Giants’ designated hitter Luis Toribio drew a bases-loaded walk, giving San Jose their first lead of the season. The advantage didn’t hold as the Grizzlies plated a pair in the top of the ninth. Zac Veen laced his first professional hit to right, knocking in Isaac Collins. Then, Veen stole second and took third on a balk. He waltzed home on the next pitch thanks to a Colin Simpson RBI double. The one-run lead was enough for Juan Mejia to pick up his second save of the year.
Both starting pitchers had brilliant outings despite each earning a no-decision. Fresno righty Mitchell Kilkenny hurled five shutout innings with seven strikeouts, both career-highs. San Jose arm Carson Ragsdale also went five frames, allowing one hit while punching out seven. Stephen Jones (1-0) received the victory and Randy Rodriguez (0-1) succumbed to the final result.
