FRESNO, Calif. The Fresno Grizzlies defeated the Stockton Ports 10-8 on August 21, 2026, in game three of their six-game Cal League North series in Fresno, California. Fresno took a permanent lead with a five-run third inning and maintained that lead throughout the game.
Stockton had an early advantage, scoring three runs in the first two innings. Michael Brooks and Drew Burress reached base with walks to start the game, executing a double steal to put runners in scoring position. A wild pitch scored Brooks for a 1-0 lead. In the second inning, Ramon Landaeta hit a two-RBI triple that scored Bryan Andrade and Alex Hernandez, pushing Stockton ahead 3-0.
Stockton starter Colin Fitzgerald struggled in the third inning, allowing four straight hits including a two-run home run by Rockies second-round pick Daniel Jackson, which helped narrow Stockton’s lead to 3-2. Reliever Blake Hammond then gave up three RBI singles, giving Fresno a 5-3 lead.
The Grizzlies extended their advantage to 7-3 in the fourth inning, aided by hits and defensive errors by Stockton. Both teams scored in the fifth inning, making the score 8-4 in Fresno’s favor. Stockton fought back late with a two-RBI single by Roman Martin in the seventh and an RBI single by Landaeta in the eighth inning, narrowing the gap to 8-7.
Fresno responded with two runs in the bottom of the eighth inning, capitalizing on walks issued by Stockton’s Jackson Holmes and a triple by Cort MacDonald to lead 10-7. The Ports scored a final run in the ninth inning on an RBI double by Martin but could not overcome the deficit as Fresno closed out the 10-8 victory.
With the win, the Fresno Grizzlies improved to 27-24 overall, taking a 2-1 lead in the series. The Stockton Ports fell to 28-23 but maintained a one-game lead over Fresno for the second-half playoff spot in the Cal League North.
CSB Take
The Fresno Grizzlies decisive five-run third inning was the turning point in this closely contested game, demonstrating the value of timely hitting and capitalizing on opponent miscues. The Stockton Ports early lead was eroded due to pitching struggles and defensive errors, despite a strong late comeback effort. As the series continues, both teams will need to address pitching consistency and defense to secure their positions in the tight Cal League North playoff race.
Source: Original report
