The Fresno Grizzlies ended Modesto’s 10-game winning streak on Tuesday night, outlasting the Nuts in a 12-9 slugfest at Chukchansi Park. Zac Veen hit for the cycle, including his 15th homer of the season and seven RBIs.
The Grizzlies got on the board in the first inning with two runs but Modesto came back with four in the top of the second. Veen hit a grand slam in the bottom of the second as the Grizzlies scored six runs to make it 8-4.
Modesto closed to within 8-6 with single runs in the fourth and sixth innings before Fresno brought home four more in the eighth to make it 12-6. A three-run ninth inning wasn’t enough for Modesto.
Leadoff man Eddy Diaz was 2-for-5 with a triple and scored three runs for the Grizzlies. RHP Noah Gotsis (W, 1-2)pitched three innings in relief for Fresno and allowed one run on three hits and two walks with two strikeouts.
Modesto 2B Cesar Izturis Jr. went 3-for-5 with a double, two RBIs and two runs scored. SS Noelvi Marte was 2-for-5 with two doubles and two RBIs. Reliever Elvis Alvarado did a great job to calm the Fresno offense down going 4 1/3 innings in relief, allowing no runs on one hit and one walk with two strikeouts.
Fresno (64-33) remains three games ahead of San Jose (61-36) for the best record in the league. Modesto (53-44) is eight games back of San Jose for the second and final playoff spot.
SCOREBOARD
SAN JOSE – 8
LAKE ELSINORE – 5
Harrison Freed (SJ) 4-for-4, HR (7), 2RBI, 3 Runs scored
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – 14
VISALIA – 8
Sam McWilliams (RC) 3-for-5, HR (8), double, 4RBI, 3 Runs scored
INLAND EMPIRE – 1
STOCKTON – 2
Jake Walkinshaw (STK) 6IP, 2H, 0R, 0BB, 10K
