Grizzlies Report for April 19: Fresno 3, Salt Lake 0

Taco Tuesday recap – Fresno got another solid start from right-hander Tommy Shirley and the offense capitalized on a few defensive mistakes to beat Salt Lake 3-0 in the series opener in front of 3,156 at Chukchansi Park. Shirley pitched 6 2/3 innings and has yet to allow a run in 11 2/3 innings to start the season. He gave up six hits Tuesday but was spared by his infielders, who twice converted 4-6-3 double plays with runners on third to help preserve the shutout. Fresno finally got a run after placing runners on the corners the third time, getting the Bees’ defense to bite on a double steal in the fourth: Jon Kemmer stole second and Tyler Heineman beat the return throw home. Fresno added to its lead on a Colin Moran single in the fifth and a bases-loaded walk in the eighth. Tuesday was the first of 11 games this season Triple-A Fresno will play as the Tacos.

Bullpen plug – Fresno’s bullpen put a cork in Bees’ offense, holding Salt Lake hitless the final 2 2/3 innings. Reliever Kevin Chapman struck out Kyle Kubitza swinging to end the seventh and Jandel Gustave retired the side in order in the eighth before James Hoyt pitched the ninth. Hoyt gave up a leadoff walk, but then induced a pop fly and a 3-6-1 double play to earn his third save.

Streak continues – Fresno infielder Danny Worth extended his team-leading hit streak to 10 games, lining a single to left in the fifth.

Hasta la vista, Leo – Grizzlies outfielder Leo Heras, who was put on the temporary inactive list a week ago to make room for Matt Duffy, was reactivated by the Astros Saturday then loaned to the Diablos Rojos del Mexico.

Up next – The Grizzlies continue their four-game series against the Salt Lake Bees in Wednesday’s game 2 at 6:35 p.m. Fresno RH Michael Feliz (0-0, 18.90 ERA) is scheduled to face Salt Lake LH Tyler Skaggs (0-0, 1.50). Skaggs missed all of last season recovering from Tommy John surgery and has been lights-out out so far against left-handed hitters – who, coincidentally, make up nearly all of the Grizzlies’ batting order. Skaggs has retired all seven lefties he’s faced this season, five by strikeout. Feliz, who started the season with the parent-club Houston Astros, is making his second start after giving up seven runs (all earned) on six hits in 3 1/3 innings in a 10-9 loss at Salt Lake on April 14.

The Fresno Bee

This story was originally published April 19, 2016 at 10:16 PM with the headline "Grizzlies Report for April 19: Fresno 3, Salt Lake 0."