Ports Shut Down Blaze in 2-1 Defeat
Published on May 15, 2013 under California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
On a cool night in Stockton, the Bakersfield Blaze played from just behind for most of the game, got even late, but could not grab the lead, and the Stockton Ports sneaked by, 2-1.
This opener of a four-game set with the Ports was all about pitching.
Carlos Contreras got the start for Bakersfield, and the hard-throwing righthander was excellent. Contreras struck out four batters in the first two innings, and ended up tossing six innings without allowing an earned run.
It was, however, an unearned run that bit him in the 4th. With one out, Contreras issued a walk to former Centennial High School standout Dusty Robinson, and with two outs, Ports catcher Ryan Delgado singled to put runners at the corners. It appeared Contreras would get out of the jam when B.A. Vollmuth hit a three-hopper to third, but Juan Silverio's throw sailed over first base, allowing a run to score.
The Blaze needed four more innings to get even. Ports starter Tanner Peters (W, 3-3) worked five no-hit innings to begin the game, and though his defense saved his night in the 7th -- Bobby Crocker made a run-saving catch -- the Blaze did eventually tie the game at one run apiece.
In the 8th, with one out, Juan Duran got a 2-1 fastball over the plate, and drilled a missile just over the batter's eye in straightaway centerfield.
The lead would not last long. In the bottom half, Mike Dennhardt (L, 1-3) began his second inning of relief, and Myrio Richard blasted a slider over the wall in the left to put the Ports back on top, 2-1.
Stockton summoned veteran reliever Brett Hunter (S, 1) to close it out in the 9th. Hunter retired the first two batters of the inning, and it looked like the game might end quickly. The Blaze would not go down without a fight. Marquez Smith doubled to left and Steve Selsky walked to put the tying and go-ahead runners aboard, but Kyle Waldrop was fanned to end the contest, and the Ports held on, 2-1.
The loss drops the Blaze to 0-5 at Banner Island Ballpark this season, and the team remains winless in the three northern I-99 cities (Visalia, Modesto, Stockton).
The series with the Ports continues Thursday morning at 11:05am - make sure to set your clocks! Stockton sends Sergio Perez to the hill for his second start, and the Blaze counter with sinkerballer Jacob Johnson. Tune in to hear Thursday's game LIVE at BakersfieldBlaze.com, as Dan Besbris calls all the action - the pregame show begins five minutes prior to first pitch.
California League Stories from May 15, 2013
- Giants Squeeze Past Quakes in Series-Opener - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Ports Shut Down Blaze in 2-1 Defeat - Bakersfield Blaze
- Loss in Visalia Ends Win Streak at Five - Lancaster JetHawks
- Hessler Turns in Quality Start in Series Opener - Visalia Rawhide
- Hanford Product Tyson Perez Will Pitch against Rawhide - Visalia Rawhide
- San Jose Giants on Deck: 11-Game Road Trip Begins Tonight in Rancho Cucamonga - San Jose Giants
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