Blaze Win in 16 in Elsinore, Drop Opener in Visalia
Published on May 20, 2012 under California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
The Bakersfield Blaze split their weekend games in Lake Elsinore and Visalia, winning 4-2 Saturday night in an epic 16-inning affair before dropping a sleepy afternoon tilt in Visalia, 8-0.
The big story, without question, comes from Saturday night. Justice French got the start for Bakersfield, and allowed 2 runs over 6 quality innings, bringing his season total to just 2 runs allowed over 17 frames. Justice, however, left with the Blaze trailing 2-1. Bakersfield would not go down quietly, however, tying Elsinore with a run in the 8th before both teams went scoreless for nearly the length of an entire game.
The Storm had their chance to end it in the 15th, loading the bases with nobody out. But, in a rare baserunning blunder, the Storm had a runner picked off 2nd base, the momentum shifted, and the Blaze somehow escaped the inning. Then, in the top of the 16th, with Dennis O'Grady (L, 3-1) pitching for Lake Elsinore, the Blaze loaded the bases with 2 outs, and Travis Mattair slapped a 2-run single into center for the gamewinning runs. Mike Griffin (W, 2-3) pitched his 2nd inning of relief to get the victory.
The Blaze then traveled through the night to Visalia, where the Rawhide hosted a 2pm game (despite the normal 4pm protocol), and beat up on the road-weary Blaze. Bobby Borchering hit 2 homers, and Keon Broxton hit 1, as Visalia scored 5 times off starter Daniel Renken (L, 3-2) in just 4.1 innings, and 3 more off reliever Pat Doyle. On the other side, David Holmberg (W, 6-3) was nearly untouchable, as the beleaguered Blaze mustered just 1 hit off the big lefty over 7.0 innings of work.
The split weekend moves Bakersfield to 24-19, and the team remains 3.5 games back of San Jose in the Cal League North race. The series in Visalia continues Monday afternoon at 1pm and Tuesday night at 7pm, and both games will be broadcast live on BakersfieldBlaze.com. The team comes HOME on Thirsty Thursday! Get tickets soon!
California League Stories from May 20, 2012
- Springer Extends Hitting Streak in Loss - Lancaster JetHawks
- Quakes Open Roadie with 3-2 Win over Sixers - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Blaze Win in 16 in Elsinore, Drop Opener in Visalia - Bakersfield Blaze
- San Jose Giants on Deck: Giants Continue Road Trip at Stockton - San Jose Giants
- Rawhide Hand Giants Rare Series Loss - San Jose Giants
- Quakes Take Two of Three with Walk-Off Win - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- JetHawks Alone in First After Sweep - Lancaster JetHawks
- 66ers Swept by Lancaster - Inland Empire 66ers
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