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The El Paso Chihuahuas lose game one of their five-game Pacific Coast League Conference Championship series against the Fresno Grizzlies, 8-7 on Wednesday, Sept. 5., in front of 4,123 fans in attendance at Southwest University Park.
The Chihuahuas (82-57) took on the first place Pacific Northern Division Fresno Grizzlies (82-57). Chihuahuas starting pitcher, Walker Lockett, struggled to find his groove early as he struggled to find his command as he loaded the bases in the first inning with one out. Designated hitter Yordan Alvarez opened-up the scoring early with an RBI double that allowed two Grizzlies to come home. Lockett struggled to complete the inning as the Grizzlies jumped to a quick 4-0 lead.
First baseman Allen Craig got the Chihuahuas on the board when he hit a solo home run in the bottom of the second. Shortly after center fielder, Dusty Coleman hit a two-run home run to bring the Chihuahuas within one.
In the bottom of the third, Right fielder Forrestt Allday successfully got on base when he hit a double. Then third baseman Ty France hit an RBI single to bring Allday home to tie the game. Opposing Pitcher Brady Rodgers struggled as he walked the next hitter left fielder Shane Peterson. He then allowed first baseman Allen Craig to get on base after he struck him in the arm. Designated hitter Brett Nicholas got the RBI, and the Chihuahuas took the lead heading into the top of the fifth inning.
In the top of the fifth, Alvarez hit his second home run of the evening with a two-run home run giving the Grizzlies a 7-5 lead over the Chihuahuas.
In the bottom of the seventh inning, Center Fielder Raffy Lopez hits an RBI single to bring the Chihuahuas within one. After Grizzlies reliever Reymin Guduan could not control his mechanics and walked three consecutive batters. Coleman then hit a sacrifice RBI, which knotted the game up at seven. The Chihuahuas left runners stranded on base once again to end the seventh inning.
In the top of the 10th inning, Grizzlies center field Myles Straw hit an RBI single giving the Grizzlies an 8-7 lead over the Chihuahuas. Shortly after in the bottom of the 10th inning the Chihuahuas left two runners on first and second base as Nicholas struck out swinging to finish the game.
The Chihuahuas failed to capitalize on missed opportunities when they left 14 runners stranded on base while being walked a total of 14 times.
Game two is scheduled for tomorrow Sept. 6,. Thursday at 7:05 p.m. at Southwest University Park.
