The Stockton Ports got a second-inning grand slam from CF Brayan Buelvas and went on to score 11 runs on 12 hits as they knocked the Fresno Grizzlies out of first place with an 11-6 win Wednesday night. Buelvas added a solo shot later and went 2-for-5 on the night with five RBIs.
The visiting Ports jumped on Fresno starter Anderson Amarista for six runs over 5 IP. Amarista allowed 7 hits and 2 walks with 2 Ks in his first start since joining the Grizzlies from the AZL. RF Junior Perez went 2-for-5 with a double and 3 RBIs. Every Stockton batter got at least one base hit.
Brayan Buelvas greeted at home plate after his 2nd inning grand slam against Fresno
LF Lawrence Butler went 1-for-2 with 3 walks for Stockton and also made three spectacular plays in the field. In the second inning with runners on 1st and 2nd and one out, Butler hauled in a high drive to the fence by Mateo Gil for the second out. The next batter was Julio Carreras who hit one past 3B T.J. Schofield-Sam for an error. Butler picked up the ball in left and gunned down Daniel Montano who was attempting to advance from 1st which prevented Drew Romo from scoring ahead of Montano. Butler later made a sliding catch in left
Drew Romo stepping on the plate after his solo shot in the 4th inning against Stockton
Romo went 3-for-3 for Fresno with his third homer of the year and a walk. He also threw out a runner attempting to steal second base. Buelvas’ homers for Stockton were his sixth and seventh of the year.
Stockton is now 14-24, 12 games out of first place in the North division while Fresno drops to 25-13, a game back of San Jose.
Rancho Cucamonga’s offense lit up the scoreboard early and five pitchers combined to silence Lake Elsinore’s bats as the Quakes posted a 9-1 win on Friday night. It was the fifth straight win for Rancho Cucamonga (30-27) as they maintained their one-game lead over Inland Empire (29-28) in the South division.
