Fresno Grizzlies conclude historic regular season, get ready for playoffs

Third baseman Matt Duffy, the MVP of the Pacific Coast League, was a no-brainer as the Grizzlies’ MVP.

First baseman Jon Singleton was named the team’s Offensive Player of the Year, and reliever Jordan Jankowski was selected as Pitcher of the Year among the honors.

But a strong case could be made that the entire team should have been presented an award after setting the franchise mark for wins during what has been quite a memorable season.

“What a great accomplishment,” Grizzlies manager Tony DeFrancesco said. “We came in, had some team goals, reached those goals.

“We still have playoffs. But what we’ve done so far, it’s been great.”

With Monday’s 8-5 loss to the Bees, the Grizzlies (84-59) finished with the second-best record throughout Triple A, trailing the Oklahoma City Dodgers (86-58). The Grizzlies also posted the most wins by a Houston Astros Triple-A affiliate since 2006.

The Grizzlies will face the El Paso Chihuahuas (78-66) in the opening round of the Pacific Coast League playoffs – a best-of-five series – beginning at 7:05 p.m. Wednesday at Chukchansi Park.

This will be the Grizzlies’ first playoff appearance since their since their inaugural campaign in 1998. They spent the previous 16 seasons as the San Francisco Giants’ Triple-A team before changing to the Astros.

Entering this season, the Grizzlies had finished with a winning record only five times.

“I think it’s cool, just from the standpoint that we knew the history of it, that there haven’t been any playoff teams come through here (since 1998),” said right-hander Dan Straily, who will start Game 1 Wednesday. “To be a part of that first one is always going to be cool.”

The Grizzlies will host the first two playoff games, which includes another 7:05 p.m. start Thursday, before playing the next three on the road. Should the Grizzlies advance, they would start the next series on the road for two games before playing the final three in Fresno. Oklahoma City faces the Round Rock Express (78-66) in the PCL’s other opening-round matchup.

These Grizzlies also recorded the most home wins (48) in franchise history, which also topped all Triple-A clubs this season.

“This is why you play the games – to perform and win and get to the playoffs and win,” Grizzlies outfielder Robbie Grossman said. “We’ll be ready to go. Hopefully, the fans will come help us out and show their support.

“It’s just been awesome to have this much success in the minor leagues, been a great atmosphere. Would like to keep it going in the playoffs.”

The Grizzlies finished as the Triple-A leader in four offensive categories, amassing 804 runs (5.58 average), 756 RBIs (5.25), 606 walks (4.21) and a .357 on-base percentage. Fresno also led the PCL with 157 steals, passing the Tacoma Rainiers on the final day after generating three steals in the finale (two by Tony Kemp, one by Grossman).

“I think we just kind of want to go and compete, try to keep up with our offense,” said Grizzlies right-hander Mike Hauschild, who would start Game 5 if necessary. “It’s easier to pitch on a team when we’re winning and scoring runs. It’s fun, having a good time in the dugout.

“I think we’re feeling pretty good. We think we have the best team in the league, so hopefully, we’ll go out there and play like it.”

This story was originally published September 7, 2015 at 7:58 PM with the headline "Fresno Grizzlies conclude historic regular season, get ready for playoffs."