The Fresno Grizzlies (Colorado Rockies Single-A affiliate) traded in their claws for paws on Thursday night as they defeated the San Jose Giants (San Francisco Giants Single-A affiliate) 5-4 in a walk-off fashion.

With one out and a runner on third base, Grizzlies first baseman Aidan Longwell hit a soft ground ball to short where Giants shortstop Walker Martin fielded the ball before throwing it home. However, it was not caught cleanly as Grizzlies left fielder Jason Hinchman crossed home plate to win the game.

Fresno’s starting pitcher Bryan Mena breezed through the Giants lineup, tossing 6.2 innings and allowing just one run on four hits while punching out six batters.

There was excitement off the field as well as the team celebrated Fresno State Night at Chukchansi Park.

The Grizzlies hosted many current and former Bulldogs throughout the game. There were also a few celebrity appearances as well.

Fresno State’s mascot Timeout and the women’s basketball team were both in attendance as well as Fresno State’s new athletic director, Garrett Klassy, who threw out the first pitch.

Klassy stressed the importance of collaborations between campus and the city of Fresno.

“It was an incredible opportunity,” Klassy said. “Any chance I can get to connect with the red wave, I want to be there and represent.”

This was Klassy’s third time getting to throw out the ceremonial first pitch, previously doing it at Wrigley Field and Comiskey Park.

He also had an opportunity to meet former Bulldog Tomy Hopfe before the game.

“A hometown kid playing in the hometown stadium, playing professional sports,” Klassy said. “That’s what we all dreamed about growing up.”

Hopfe hit his first home run with the Grizzlies on Sept. 4. He is the tenth former Bulldog to play for the Grizzlies, most recently was outfielder E.J. Andrews.

To further spread Bulldog spirit, Fresno State’s Spotlight Events Committee gave out free tickets and swag bundles that consisted of a shirt, food, ice cream vouchers and Fresno State stickers to students who previously signed up to attend the game.

Spotlight Events coordinator Anyssa Villalobos heard the Grizzlies were hosting a Fresno State themed night and took the initiative to partner with the stadium.

“For us, it’s making sure we are enhancing the student experience, making sure they’re having fun, but also in ways where the students themselves can connect with each other,” she said.

Garza and the Spotlight team also believed it was a great way to allow students to experience what Fresno has to offer off campus, especially if they are not from the Central Valley.

“We thought it would be a great switch up from what is usually done for Fresno State Night by having the students come out to a baseball game and really enjoy that Bulldog spirit in a different location,” said Leslie Gonzalez, a Spotlight Event student coordinator. “And to really unify that Fresno County and Fresno community together through the love of sports.”

Others in attendance at Fresno State Night were Fresno State’s Alumni Association and Bulldog Bound, the campus’ guaranteed admissions program geared towards high school students.

Jesse Farías, Bulldog Bound executive coordinator, said events like this help the newly formed program get the word out about themselves and encourage community members to look into attending Fresno State.

“We go to all kinds of events,” Farías said. “But we primarily like to serve our high schoolers where they are at. Our student ambassadors go to their high schools and provide seniors that want to come to Fresno State with information.”

Throughout the game, the Grizzlies hosted a quiz on the history of Fresno State and played games with students, specifically the women’s basketball team.

The Grizzlies season is coming to a close with its final game this Sunday, Sept. 8, first pitch is at 12:05 p.m.