June 20, 2013
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Hamilton's Three Doubles Power Blaze, 4-3

June 30, 2012 - California League (CalL) Bakersfield Blaze

In yet another obscenely tight ballgame between the Bakersfield Blaze and Modesto Nuts, it was Billy Hamilton who took control and pushed his club over the top to a 4-3 win on Friday night at Sam Lynn Ballpark in Bakersfield. In total, on the night, Hamilton doubled three times, knocked in two, scored two and stole two, and was involved in all four Blaze runs.

The Blaze figured to have their hands full, as the Nuts gave the ball to first round pick Tyler Matzek, a southpaw that had not suffered a losing decision since April... until tonight. Matzek (L, 5-4) gave up his first double to Hamilton in the first inning, and Billy promptly stole 3rd, his 95th swipe of the year. A grounder brought him in, and the Blaze led 1-0.

Two innings later, the Blaze tacked on a pair. Devin Lohman walked to open the frame and stole second, but injured his hand in the process. Dominic D'Anna came on to pinch-run, and immediately had to turn the legs loose. Hamilton's second double of the night brought in D'Anna, and after Billy swiped 3rd for the second time in the game, a grounder brought him home and it was 3-0 Blaze.

Modesto would not go quietly. Pat Doyle, making his 3rd start of the year, had to fight his way through 3.1 innings, giving up just 1 run on 6 hits and 3 walks. Justice French (W, 1-2) followed, tossing 3.0 innings of 1-run relief, and exiting in the 7th inning with the Blaze on top, 3-2.

From there, Andrew Brackman finished the 7th, and the Blaze scored their final run in the bottom half. D'Anna and Hamilton each blasted doubles off Matzek to drive him from the game, and the Blaze got the most important fourth run of the night.

In the next half inning, Juan Crousset slugged a solo homer off Brackman to once again bring Modesto to within a run, but Kyle McMyne (S, 2) worked his second straight 1-2-3 ninth inning, virtually locking down the closer's role, and securing Bakersfield's win.

The victory moves the Blaze to 5-4 in the second half and a league-best 46-33 overall. The series and homestand conclude Saturday night on Team Poster Giveaway Night at Sam Lynn, with the Blaze's Chad Rogers going against Modesto's Christian Bergman in the rubber match. Tickets are still available - scoop them up by calling 716-4487.

Can't make it? Listen LIVE on the radio to the Blaze Game of the Week on SmartTalk AM-1230 or online at BakersfieldBlaze.com as Dan Besbris calls all the action at 7:35pm.

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California League Stories from June 30, 2012


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