Home runs by a disparate trio of Sky Sox hitters weren’t enough to beat Fresno in the opener of a four-game series Tuesday at Security Service Field.

The Grizzlies got solo homers from Ben Copeland – who had four hits – and Kevin Frandsen before Jake Wald’s two-run double in the eighth gave the visitors their first lead en route to an 8-6 victory.

“This was a good win for us, especially on a travel day,” said Frandsen, who singled in Fresno’s final run in the eighth. “That’s a pretty damn good club and they’ve got a good pitching staff, too.”

The teams square off again today at 12:30 p.m. as the first-place Sky Sox (31-20), who had won four of five, try to get back on track.

Leadoff hitter Eric Young Jr., Rockies catcher Chris Iannetta and pitcher Brandon Hynick all hit home runs for Colorado Springs, which led 5-3 after five innings.

Hynick, 24, was the victim of an unusual play in the fifth when he led 3-0. Fresno had the bases loaded and two outs when John Bowker’s slow roller to third was scooped up by Kenny Perez but his throw was wide of first and all three runners came home to tie the score.

“Kenny made a nice play to barehand it and almost made a great play,” Hynick said.

“That was a do-or-die situation,” Iannetta said. “It would’ve taken a web gem to get him. Brandon made a great pitch on that play.”

Hynick escaped further damage and led off the bottom of the inning with his second homer of the season, and the first opposite-field blast of his career.

“That felt pretty good, especially in a close game,” Hynick said.

Homers in the sixth by Copeland and the seventh by Frandsen chased Hynick. Reliever Damian Moss (5-1) suffered his first loss.Fresno (29-23) has won six of its past seven games.

Iannetta, on the 15-day disabled list, is scheduled to join the Rockies next week in Milwaukee. He’ll sit out today and play Thursday.

“I just need to get my timing back,” said Iannetta, who was 1-for-3 with two strikeouts. “I was late on fastballs tonight.”

Carlos Gonzalez, who leads the minor leagues with 59 RBIs, did not play. He left Monday’s game after fouling a ball off his right shin. Manager Stu Cole said Gonzalez is day-to-day.

Young had three hits, including a double, and scored twice but his streak of six straight games with a stolen base ended.

Colorado Springs Sky Sox Eric Young Jr. watched his ball as he hit a home run during first inning action against the Fresno Grizzlies at Security Service Field Tuesday June 2, 2009. Photo by