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Posted Aug 19, 2012, 12:03 pm

Tim Hagerty Tucson Padres

The Tucson Padres scored twice in the ninth inning but were unable to complete their comeback attempt, as they lost to the Fresno Grizzlies 5-3 on Saturday at Chukchansi Park.

Tucson struck first in the top of the fourth when Jesus Merchan hit a single to the Grizzlies' center field, allowing Jeremy Hermida to score from second base with the game's first run. Fresno's Conor Gillaspie tied the game in the bottom half of the inning with a RBI single to right field. Lollis followed with a bunt single to score Xavier Nady and give the Grizzlies a 2-1 lead.

Francisco Peguero's RBI single in the bottom of the fifth increased the score to 3-1 Fresno. The single also extended Peguero's hit streak to 18 games. Two more runs crossed the plate in the eighth inning to give the Grizzlies a 5-1 advantage.

Tucson rallied with two runs in the top of the ninth, including one on a pinch-hit RBI single by Anthony Contreras, but left the bases loaded to end the game. Jean Machi closed out the victory for Fresno with his 12th save.

Mitch Lively earned his sixth win in relief of Grizzlies starter Wilmin Rodriguez. Tucson starting pitcher Bear Bay picked up his 1,000th career strikeout in the sixth inning. Bay struck out seven batters in his ninth loss of the year.