News

Fresno Grizzlies Will Have New Major League affiliate for 2019 Season

FRESNO - The Fresno Grizzlies and Houston Astros have each filed notice with their respective league office, to explore a new Triple-A affiliation beginning with the 2019 baseball season. The Grizzlies, of the Pacific Coast League, who have served as Houston's Triple-A affiliate since 2015, are now in search of a new Major League relationship.

A Player Development Contract (PDC) between a Major League Baseball club and a minor league affiliate may be signed in two-year or four-year increments. With several of those Triple-A deals expiring this offseason, it is not yet clear what Fresno's next MLB affiliation will be. Major League and minor league clubs are permitted to begin negotiating such matters at the conclusion of the minor league playoffs. Fresno's new affiliate is likely to be settled before the 30^th of September.

Foxes Fall at Swope Park to Split Season Series

KANSAS CITY, Kan. - The Foxes were unable to swing the scoreline in the second half, falling 1-0 to Swope Park Rangers on Sunday afternoon at Children's Mercy Park to split the season series at one win apiece. The hosts took an early lead by way of Hadji Barry's strike at the 14th minute, when he capitalized on a Fresno FC turnover before dribbling into the left side of the box and finding the goal near post.

Fresno FC remains in 11th place in the USL Western Conference at 8W-10L-11D (35 points), seven points out of eighth with five matches to play in the regular season. The Foxes controlled the tempo early as they displayed skill in small passes through the defense and midfield. Their first chance came at the 12th minute when Franck Tayou laid off a short pass to Juan Pablo Caffa, but his attempt deflected off a Rangers defender. Two minutes later, Swope Park answered behind Barry's fifth goal in five consecutive starts.

Grizzlies Advance to the PCL Championship Series with a 10-1 Victory Over the Chihuahuas

FRESNO - In front of a crowd of 7,588, the Fresno Grizzlies (3-2) hammered the El Paso Chihuahuas (2-3) 10-1 in game five of the PCL Pacific Championship Sunday evening from Chukchansi Park. With the victory, the Grizzlies advance to the PCL Championship Series versus the Memphis Redbirds. Fresno reaches the second round of the postseason for the second time in team history (2015). The club in 2015 won the Triple-A title.

El Paso grabbed a 1-0 lead in the top of the second when Raffy Lopez looped a single to center, plating Shaane Peterson. That would be the only run for the Chihuahuas in the contest.

Bulldogs Lose a Heartbreaker at Minnesota, 21-14

MINNEAPOLIS - The Fresno State football team lost a heartbreaker at Minnesota on Saturday evening, falling 21-14 at TCF Bank Stadium. After converting a fourth-and-3 from the Minnesota 10-yard line, Fresno State was set up with first-and goal from the Golden Gopher 4-yard line with 1:24 remaining in the game.

The 'Dogs pulled a play out of the book from 2017, a halfback pass attempt from Josh Hokit to try and knot the game. But this one, intended for tight end Jared Rice in the back of the end zone, was intercepted by Minnesota defensive back Antonie Winfield Jr. to dash the Bulldogs' hopes of winning their first game on Big Ten soil since defeating Illinois 53-52 in 2009.

Fresno Grizzlies Begin 2018 Postseason Run - Fireworks to Follow Game 3 of Pacific Conference Championship on Friday at Chukchansi Park

FRESNO - The Fresno Grizzlies, champions of the Pacific Northern Division for the second time in four seasons, begin the quest for their second Pacific Coast League and Triple-A National Championship on Wednesday in El Paso. After games one and two of the best-of-five series on Wednesday and Thursday, the series shifts to Chukchansi Park for game three at home this Friday evening (September 7), with games four and five also in Fresno on Saturday and Sunday, if necessary. The Grizzlies' 2018 postseason is presented by Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino.

Additional partners for the Fresno Grizzlies' 2018 postseason include Save Mart Supermarkets, Cream, Dave & Buster's, Rocket Dog and Select Business Systems. Game 3 of the Pacific Conference Championship Series at Chukchansi Park on Friday, September 7 will feature post-game fireworks and a rally towel giveaway, for the first 2,000 fans through the gates. Rally towels are presented by Helena Agri-Enterprises. Friday will also feature the typical farmer's market on the concourse pre-game and during the game, presented by GAR Tootelian.

Bulldogs Light Up Scoreboard in 79-13 Route of Idaho

FRESNO - Scoring its most points since 1991 using five interceptions, two special teams returns for touchdowns and one pick-six, the Fresno State football team rolled to a 79-13 season-opening route of the Idaho Vandals on Saturday night at Bulldog Stadium. Fresno State (1-0) scored its most points in 27 years using a balanced offensive approach passing for 247 yards while rushing for 239 and seven scores on the ground.

Senior quarterback Marcus McMaryion had an efficient passing night going 19-for-26 for 207 yards. The 'Dogs used a balanced attack on the ground as five running backs each went for better than 35 yards with Romello Harris leading the way with 47 followed by Saevion Johnson (45), Dejonte O'Neal (41), Josh Hokit (40) and Jordan Mims (36). Mims led the group with three touchdowns.

Victory Grass: Fresno FC & Fire Squad Fresno Join Forces to Revive School Playground

FRESNO - A downtown charter school playground received new life over the weekend, as several members of Fire Squad Fresno laid the final 8,000 square feet of sod on the playground for students to enjoy. For more than half the year, Kepler Neighborhood School students were left to play on a large patch of dirt across the street from their school or walk the two blocks to the Cultural Arts District Park to spend some time on the grass.

It wasn't by design. The school's sprinkler system broke about nine months ago, causing the grass to die for the TK-8 school that serves students in the city's urban core.