Grizzlies Report for April 16: Las Vegas 7, Fresno 5

Going extras: The Grizzlies lost control in the 11th, issuing four walks in the inning with two eventually touching home as the Las Vegas 51s escaped with a 7-5 victory Saturday before an announced crowd of 9,510 at Chukchansi Park. The Grizzlies almost prevailed in regulation after scoring four runs in the bottom of the ninth to tie the score. Jon Singleton then almost hit a game-winning home run with a towering shot to right field. But the ball sailed about three feet in front of the fence and resulted in an inning-ending out. Grizzlies leadoff hitter Tony Kemp finished 3 for 6 with two runs, one RBI and a triple.

Wild all night: Even before Grizzlies closer James Hoyt struggled with his control in the 11th while pitching for a second straight inning, Fresno pitchers were wild all night. The Grizzlies issued a season-worst 14 walks, including six by starting pitcher Asher Wojciechowski. He gave up four runs (three earned) off six hits and six runs. Wojciechowski allowed six runs and seven hits during his first outing.

Throwing errors: Grizzlies catcher Roberto Pena also had control issues, committing three errors all while trying to throw out Las Vegas base runners. And each inning Pena made an error, the 51s ended up scoring.

Up next: RH Brady Rodgers (0-00, 3.60 ERA) will take the mound for Fresno’s first afternoon game of the season at Chukchansi Park. First pitch is 1:05 p.m. He’ll face Las Vegas LH Sean Gilmartin (0-0, 2.45). Rodgers struggled in day games last year, going 0-1 with a 13.50 ERA in three starts. Gilmartin spent last season as a reliever with the New York Mets, going 3-2 with a 2.67 ERA and 54 strikeouts in 57.1 innings. The lefty could present problems for a Fresno lineup armed with seven left-handed hitters.

Shutdown closer: Hoyt, who was in the mix to make Houston’s big league club out of spring training, has been rock steady for the Grizzlies. In four appearances, Hoyt has not allowed a run or issued a walk while scattering three hits and striking out seven. He was charged with two runs Saturday, both crossing after he was removed from the game. Last season, Hoyt went 0-1 with a 3.49 ERA and nine saves and 66 strikeouts in 49 innings.

One streak extends, another ends: Danny Worth had hit safely in each of the Grizzlies’ first eight games after batting 1 for 2 Saturday. Third baseman Colin Moran, however, went 0 for 4 to snap his hit streak at six games.

The Fresno Bee

This story was originally published April 16, 2016 at 11:15 PM with the headline "Grizzlies Report for April 16: Las Vegas 7, Fresno 5."