The Fresno Grizzlies fell to the San Jose Giants 8-6 on September 1, 2026, at Chukchansi Park in Fresno, California, in a California League North matchup.
The Grizzlies took an early 4-0 lead behind a rally that featured walks by Ashly Andujar and Landyn Vidourek, a run-scoring groundout by Ronny Ugarte, and a two-run single from Juan Martinez. However, San Jose responded with a strong third inning, highlighted by a solo home run from Angel Guzman and a two-run homer by Lorenzo Meola, cutting the deficit to 4-3.
The Giants tied the game at 4-4 in the fifth inning on a sacrifice fly aided by two Fresno errors. San Jose then took a 5-4 lead in the eighth on a bases-loaded walk, but the Grizzlies answered immediately. Martinez delivered a crucial single to drive in two runs, putting Fresno ahead 6-5.
In the ninth inning, San Jose rallied for three runs off a combination of hits and two wild pitches to take an 8-6 lead. Fresno was unable to score in their final at-bat, resulting in the win for the Giants.
Juan Martinez was the offensive standout for Fresno, driving in four RBIs including two crucial two-out hits. Cort MacDonald and Ronny Ugarte also contributed by reaching base multiple times and scoring runs.
Pitchers Sandy Ozuna, Grif Hughes, and Yanzel Correa all saw action for Fresno. Ozuna allowed the three-run third inning home runs but pitched four innings solidly. Hughes provided four innings of relief in his return, while Correa was charged with the loss following the ninth-inning rally.
Despite the defeat, Fresno remains in second place in the California League North with five games remaining and holds a one-game lead over Stockton. San Jose clinched the second half of the league and secured its postseason berth.
The two teams will meet again on September 2, 2026, at 6:50 p.m. at Chukchansi Park.
CSB Take
The late-inning collapse by the Fresno Grizzlies underscores the importance of bullpen reliability and defensive focus in closing out tight games. Juan Martinez’s clutch hitting remains a bright spot for Fresno as they continue their push toward the postseason. With only a handful of games left, the Grizzlies must minimize mistakes and sharpen their late-game execution to secure a playoff spot and potentially get redemption against San Jose.
Source: Original report
