The Chihuahuas took care of business once again at home against the Fresno Grizzlies by winning a contested game 8-6. The Chihuahuas continued their quest towards .500 as they faced off against the Grizzlies for the fourth and final game of the series, and to close out an eight game home stand.
The Chihuahuas now 15-15 did not start the game out on the right foot. Brandon Morrow was put in a pinch early on and in the first inning the Grizzlies opened up the scoring quick as they jumped to a quick 2-0 lead.
Morrow faced an early test in the first with the bases loaded and only one out to his favor. The Chihuahuas were able to escape the inning with minimal damage but Morrow needed 34 pitches to retire the Grizzly batters.
The Chihuahuas responded in the second inning with Carlos Asuaje hitting a double to bring in Manuel Margot for the first run of the game. Hunter Renfroe continued to hit the ball well early in this game. Renfroe hit a single to help Asuaje advance from second base to home as he just beat the throw from center field.
“We gave up those two runs and we put ourselves right back in position to answer back,” Chihuahuas Manager Rod Barajas said. “Diego—we have a new guy every night. I have the most confidence in these guys.”
The Grizzlies took no time to regain the lead in the top of the second inning. They hit a home run off of the lead off pitch to make the score 3-2 Grizzlies. The Chihuahuas once again demonstrated they were here to fight as Diego Goris hit one towards the third base bag and stayed just fair to count as a game tying home run.
Casey McElroy had a single in the third inning to help with the offensive efforts. McElroy’s hit led to Asuaje crossing home base and take the score to 4-3 Chihuahuas.
In a bold move, Chihuahuas manager Rod Barajas showed incredible trust in his player Diego Goris by having player of the week Casey McElroy sacrifice bunt to advance the runners.
“I bunted the hottest hitter in the league to bring up Diego,” Barajas said. “Diego got the job done—he pressed a single to left field and with the error we were able to score all three runs.”
Goris then delivered to ensure the trust Barajas would not be short lived. Goris had a two-RBI hit that had not only James Loney and Hunter Renfroe score, but also Goris rounded to home and added to the lead. The Grizzlies had a fielding error which is the only reason that Goris is not credited with an inside the park home run.
“I was looking for a positive result, that’s what we try to do, all we can try is to put a good swing and what ever happens, happens,” Goris said.
The Chihuahuas are now even through the year at 15-15 and have momentum on their side. They were able to take care of business at home but now prepare to travel to Las Vegas to take on the 51s. The Chihuahuas will be back at home when they take on New Orleans on Saturday, May 14.
Juan Carlos Navarrete may be reached at [email protected]
