Blaze Pitchers Shine in 1-0 Shutout of Ports
Published on May 18, 2013 under California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
The Bakersfield Blaze offense could not muster much, but after plating an unearned run in the top of the 1st inning, the pitching made it hold up, and the Blaze went on to shut out the Stockton Ports, 1-0, on Friday night in Stockton.
The big story in the ballgame was pitching, but one of the teams had to score to win, and the Blaze were happy to be that club.
In the top of the 1st inning, the game featured its only run. Juan Perez led off the game with a base hit to centerfield, and with Yorman Rodriguez at the plate, Perez stole second and advanced to third on a wild throw. Rodriguez then squibbed a roller up the first base line, scoring Perez on a groundout, and, incredibly, that would be it for the night.
The two teams threatened just a handful of additional times. Bakersfield put two runners on base in the 3rd, 5th, and 7th innings off Stockton starter Drew Granier (L, 4-3), who suffered the tough luck loss, but could not add.
On the other side, the Ports did not threaten until very late in the contest, a testament to the fantastic work of Blaze starter Jonathan Moscot (W, 1-6), who picked up his first win as a professional on the night.
Moscot was dazzling, mixing soft and hard sliders with a fastball that had tremendous late life. In all, the Pepperdine product went six innings, allowing just one hit and one walk while striking out nine, and not allowing a runner to reach second base.
Pat Doyle came on in relief for the Blaze in the 7th, and struck out the side around a Max Muncy double.
The 8th inning proved to be Bakersfield's only challenge. Doyle began the frame by fanning the first two Ports he faced, but Bakersfield native Dusty Robinson singled to center off Pat, and Myrio Richard followed with a double to left to put runners at second and third.
Blaze manager Ken Griffey Sr. went to his closer, El'Hajj Muhammad (S, 3) for the big out, and Muhammad delivered, blowing a fastball past Bobby Crocker to end the threat. The strikeout was also the 15th recorded by Blaze pitchers on the evening, a season-high for the club.
Muhammad came back out for the 9th, which proved to be less eventful. A one-out walk was followed by a double play grounder, giving the Blaze the team's second one-run victory of the year, and first win in Stockton in seven tries.
The series with the Ports concludes Saturday night at 7:15pm, with James Allen (2-4, 5.06) going for the Blaze, as Bakersfield looks for the split. The Ports will counter with 2007 first round pick James Simmons (0-0, -.--), who faced the Blaze back in 2011 and pitched well.
California League Stories from May 18, 2013
- Blaze Steal Finale in Stockton, Win 5-2 in Extras - Bakersfield Blaze
- Two JetHawks Have Big Nights in Loss - Lancaster JetHawks
- Cavan's Grand Slam Powers Giants to 5-3 Victory - San Jose Giants
- Modesto Hangs on Late to Drop Storm - Modesto Nuts
- Jimenez Sterling Through Seven, 66ers Win - Inland Empire 66ers
- Cruz Cruises, Bullpen Holds for Win - Lancaster JetHawks
- Blaze Edge Ports 1-0 - Stockton Ports
- Errors and Miscues Cost Rawhide Ballgame - Visalia Rawhide
- Gould Sharp in Quakes' Defeat - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Blaze Pitchers Shine in 1-0 Shutout of Ports - Bakersfield Blaze
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