The Stockton Ports (2-4) let a four-run lead get away, then pushed across a run in the ninth inning to beat the Fresno Grizzlies (3-3) by a score of 5-4 on Thursday night. SS Jose Escorche singled in the eventual game-winner as Stockton won for the second times in three games against the Grizzlies.
The bottom of the order came up big for the Ports as T.J. Schofield-Sam had three hits, including two doubles, and scored the winning run batting out of the seventh spot. Number eight hitter Kevin Richards had two hits, as did Escorche out of the nine-hole.
Starting pitcher Jake Garland was brilliant for five innings, allowing no runs or hits while striking out seven, and left with a 2-0 lead. But the right-hander out of Miami got a no-decision after the bullpen gave up an eventual 4-0 lead. Pedro Santos (W, 1-1) finished it off with two scoreless innings to earn the win.
The six-game series continues Friday night at 6:50PM.
THURSDAY SCORES
RANCHO CUCAMONGA – 6
VISALIA – 0
MODESTO – 5
SAN JOSE – 4
LAKE ELSINORE
INLAND EMPIRE – Rained out
