Report from Fresno

Report from Fresno - Grizzlies' Opening Night

Grizzlies won 12-4, scoring 7 runs in the 7th inning against Aaron Looper, who last year pitched for Inland Empire (Seattle's team in the California League - high A).  Alfredo Simon pitched well for 5 innings, only allowing two runs. In the first inning there was a steal of second by the lead off hitter and Simon did a terrible job holding him on first, so bad the catcher didn't even try to throw to second.  Later in the game Simon did pick off a runner at first.  The second run that scored was the result of a wild pitch.  Simon's fastball was in the low 90's, hitting 93 on occasion.  He also threw what looked to my untrained eye to be a change in the mid 80's and an occasional curve in the high 70's.

The other impressive pitching performance was by Erick Threets, who closed out the game in impressive style - albeit with an 8 run lead.  He stuck out the first batter in the ninth with fastballs clocked at 88 & 89 and then a curve at 77.  The second batter flew-out following Erick throwing 90, 86, 85, 77 & 77.  The third batter of the inning struck out on pitches clocked at 92, 91 and 87.

Hitters:  

Kevin Frandsen led off the game hitting the first pitch (clocked at 92) up the middle for a single.  His other hits were all singles up the middle, very similar to his first hit.  He also walked in the fourth inning on 4 pitches!!!  He did ground out with the bases loaded in the seventh with a force at home.  However, Adam Shabala, Dan Ortmeier and Chad Santos each picked him up.  Shabala singled with the bases still loaded and two outs, driving in two (he took second on the play at the plate), Ortmeier followed with a  ground rule double, driving in two and then Santos doubled driving in Ortmeier.  Ortmeier had two doubles and a single, driving in 4 runs.  Shabala also had three hits and drove in 4 runs.  

On the down side it seemed like half the Grizzlies' team is hitting below the Mendoza line.
Ortmeier did have a mental lapse in the field, trying to throw a runner out at the plate after catching a ball in deep center, thereby allowing a runner on first to advance and that runner later scored.

Yamid Haad still can't hit his way out of a paper bag, but he did throw runners out at 2nd and 3rd attempting to steal.  Also, while in the on-deck circle twice he picked up foul balls and handed them to kids in the stands - a class act.

Local color:

The night was dark and rain threatened the entire game, although only a few sprinkles were felt.  The Grizzlies' mascot - Wild Thing is retiring after tomorrow's game (he is getting married) and Wild Thing is being replaced by "Parker" a mascot that appears to resemble an apricot colored polar bear.  The tennis ball throw at the end of the game resulted in someone landing a ball in a ring the size of a dinner plate and winning $500.00.  The fireworks after the game were entertaining.