(KMJ) For the first time in franchise history, the Fresno Grizzlies are Pacific Coast League champions. Triple-A Fresno (Astros) defeated Round Rock (Rangers), 7-3, Sunday in the decisive fifth game of the PCL championship series.
With the victory, Fresno advances to play Columbus (Indians), which won the International League on Saturday, in Tuesday’s Triple-A National Championship Game in El Paso, Texas.
Round Rock took the lead Sunday with a run in the top of the first, but Fresno quickly struck back in the bottom half of the inning. Third baseman Tyler White hit a two-run home run off righthander Anthony Ranaudo, giving the Grizzlies a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
Righthander Mark Appel, the first overall pick in the 2013 draft, picked up the victory. He struck out 10 batters in 5 2/3 innings, and held Round Rock to three runs on six hits and two walks.
