Chappell & Watney Wrap Up U.S. Open; Griz Win - KMPH FOX 26 | Central San Joaquin Valley News Source

Over 150 of the best golfers in the world gathered at The Olympic Club for the 2012 U.S. Open, and not one of them finished under par. Webb Simpson wins it at one over, holding off Michael Thompson and Graeme McDowell. Buchanan grad, Kevin Chappell finishes at +5. Former Bulldog, Nick Watney, and Tiger Woods finish at +7.

Salt Lake City, Utah - Fresno (45-25) pinch hitter Conor Gillaspie (7) belted a three-run homer in the top of the eighth inning as the Grizzlies completed a four-game sweep of the Salt Lake Bees (35-36) in a 4-2 win at Spring Mobile Ballpark on Sunday afternoon.

The Grizzlies were down 2-1 going into the top of the eighth inning, and they started their rally against Bees right-handed reliever Sean White (0-1) on a walk to second baseman Charlie Culberson. Two batters later, catcher Jackson Williams, who fought off several full-count pitches, singled to right and moved Culberson to third.

Then Grizzlies manager Bob Mariano sent Gillaspie to the plate to hit for designated hitter Eli Whiteside. Salt Lake countered by bringing in right-handerBobby Cassevah. Gillaspie deposited the home run well out to right field, which gave the Grizzlies a 4-2 lead. The homer also extended Gillaspie's hitting streak to eight games.

Fresno's first run came in the fifth inning on a two-out homer to left-center by centerfielder Francisco Peguero (5). Salt Lake delivered the same in the bottom of the inning on a home run by centerfielder Kole Calhoun (6).

Jason Stevenson started the game for Fresno. The left-hander went six innings (his high with Fresno this year), allowing five hits, one run (earned), one walk, and striking out three. He hit a batter and allowed a home run. It was right-hander Scott Munter (2-1) who earned the win despite giving up the one run in the seventh inning. Right-hander Brad Penny pitched a perfect eighth inning, while right-handed closer Heath Hembree (12) pitched a scoreless ninth for the save.

Salt Lake's Greg Smith allowed one run on nine hits. The left-handed starter worked seven innings, giving up two walks and striking out four. He gave up one homer. Despite Cassevah giving up the homer to Gillaspie, it was White who got the loss.

It was Fresno's first four-game sweep at Salt Lake since July of 2009 and their third in team history. The Grizzlies swept a four-gamer here in April of 2003.

The Grizzlies will take Monday off and will start a series at Sacramento on Tuesday with a 7:05 p.m. start time at Raley Field. Left-hander Brian Burres (4-5) will start for Fresno against A.J. Griffin (2-2) of Sacramento.

GRIZZLIESPAWS:

Gillaspie's pinch-hit homer was the second by a Grizzlies hitter this year. Skyler Stromsmoe hit a pinch-hit home run at Tacoma on April 24th.

The Grizzlies had a save in all four games of this series: Jean Machi-Heath Hembree-Machi-Hembree. The last time the Grizzlies saved four straight games was August of last year at Las Vegas: Daniel Otero (twice), Justin Dowdy and Waldis Joaquin.

Gillaspie and first baseman Brett Pill each extended their hitting streaks to nine games.

Fresno leads the series 9-3 over Salt Lake, and with the win on Sunday has assured itself of winning the season series.

The Grizzlies are a season-high 20 games over .500.

It was Whiteside's first start as the designated hitter this year.

Courtesy: Fresno Grizzlies