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7/2/13

Fresno 14 - Las Vegas 6


The Fresno Grizzlies (39-46) erupted for a nine-run sixth inning as they defeated the Las Vegas 51s 14-6 on Monday night at Cashman Field. In Fresno's first game played at Las Vegas this year, the Grizzlies took charge midway through the contest.

The visitors led 4-1 going into the sixth, and the rally started on a single by third baseman Chris Dominguez. After that, catcher Jackson Williams hit what appeared to be a double play ball to Las Vegas shortstop Brandon Hicks, but Hicks misplayed it off his chest and the ball went into center field, sending Dominguez to third. The first of the run-producing hits came when shortstop Ydwin Villegas ripped a two-run double down the left field line, which made it 6-1 Fresno. The Grizzlies would get their next run on a sacrifice fly by second baseman Nick Noonan to make it 7-1, and then would load the bases after that on a walk by right fielder Cole Gillespie. Following him was first baseman Johnny Monell (15) facing Las Vegas right-handed reliever D.J. Mitchell. Monell, who had been hitless in bases loaded situations this year, was no longer after he launched a drive over the right-center field wall for a grand slam, which made it 11-1 Fresno. The Grizzlies added two more runs in the inning on a two-run homer by Williams (5).

All the scoring benefited Fresno left-handed starter Eric Surkamp (1-0), who coincidentally started all the scoring with a two-out RBI single in the second inning to get the Grizzlies on the board. Surkamp, who is working his way back from Tommy John surgery which forced him to miss all of last year, worked five innings in his Fresno debut. He gave up five hits and one run (earned), walked one, and struck out six.

Las Vegas right-handed starter Rafael Montero (0-2) went five innings. He gave up seven hits and four runs (all earned). He walked two and struck out four. Mitchell, who gave up nine runs in the sixth, was charged with six earned.

Other Grizzlies offensive highlights included every member of the staring lineup with a hit, including four hits for Dominguez (all singles). It was Dominguez's third four-hit game of the season. Center fielder Gary Brown had four hits--his second such contest this year.

Gillespie (9) tacked on a solo homer to left field in the eighth inning.

Fresno finished with 15 hits.

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