The Fresno Grizzlies continued their dominance over the Visalia Rawhide with a 15-5 win on Saturday night at Chukchansi Park. The home team pounded out 15 hits and drew 12 walks while blasting four home runs, including a grand slam by Trevor Boone. With the win, the Grizzlies (37-19) stretched their lead over San Jose in the North division to five games.
Victor Juarez (W, 4-0) had a dominant start, going 6IP with 0 runs allowed on 2 H, 0 BB and 6 K. Juarez leads the California League in ERA (2.41), WHIP (0.92) and Opp Batting Average (.197).
Fresno scored in five of its eight turns at bat, starting with a 3-run first inning. Hunter Goodman hit a two-run shot, his 16th of the year, tying him with Robert Perez Jr. of Modesto for the Cal League lead. Goodman also leads the league in RBIs with 54.
After adding a single run in the second inning, Yanquiel Fernandez hit a two-run homer in the fourth, his sixth of the year, as the Grizzlies put up three more. Boone launched his slam in the sixth inning, and at that point it was 11-0. Another 4-run inning followed, with Braxton Fulford hitting a three-run shot, his third homer of the season. It was 15-0 after 7 innings.
Visalia starter Liam Norris (L, 0-3) went 4 1/3 IP and gave up 7 R (6ER) and 9 H with 2 BB and 6 K. Three relievers covered the next 2 2/3 innings and allowed 8 R on 5 H and 10 BB. Infielder Jean Walters pitched a scoreless eighth inning for Visalia allowing just one hit and striking out one.
Goodman led the Grizzlies with three hits and four other batters had two hits.
Visalia rallied for five runs in the eighth inning, capped off by a 2-run single by Jose Curpa.
Fresno has beaten Visalia in nine of their 11 meetings this year, including all five in this series. Game six is Sunday night at 5:05PM.
SCOREBOARD
SAN JOSE – 6
LAKE ELSINORE – 7
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MODESTO – 14
INLAND EMPIRE – 3
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RANCHO CUCAMONGA – 2
STOCKTON – 6
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