Win Streak Snapped at Six with Tough 3-2 Loss
Published on May 25, 2013 under California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
The Bakersfield Blaze showed the same level of grit that produced a six game winning streak, but the Stockton Ports were able to ride the veteran right arm of starter James Simmons for seven innings, and held on late to beat the Blaze, 3-2.
The game sailed through the first five innings, as the rematch between starters named James took on a similar feel to the initial meeting.
James Allen (L, 2-5) had the ball for Bakersfield, and allowed just three baserunners through five innings, striking out four. James Simmons (W, 1-0), a 2007 first round pick, matched Allen nearly pitch-for-pitch, allowing just four baserunners through his first five frames.
The game took form in the 6th, when Ports leftfielder and Bakersfield native Dusty Robinson drew a leadoff walk, and Bobby Crocker followed with a double to put runners at second and third. Addison Russell followed with an RBI base hit to put the Ports up 1-0, and after a walk to Max Muncy, Allen was lifted for Jimmy Moran. A force play for an out was followed by a two-run double off the bat of Antonio Lamas, and the Ports led 3-0.
James Simmons worked through the 7th without allowing a run, but the Ports pen was a hair shaky. T.J. Walz entered in the 8th and allowed a run on two hits and a Juan Perez sacrifice fly, and after Brooks Pinckard tossed a scoreless pair of innings, the Blaze nearly fought back.
In the 9th, Jose Macias (S, 3), already one out into his outing, allowed a leadoff bunt single to Yorman Rodriguez and a double to Marquez Smith, and the Blaze had the tying runs in scoring position. But Macias buckled down, retiring Steve Selsky, Kyle Waldrop and Juan Duran to escape the mess, allowing just a run on Waldrop's sacrifice fly, and the Ports squeezed by, 3-2.
The loss snaps Bakersfield's six game winning streak, and drops the team to 4-1 on the current homestand, which continues Saturday night at 7:30pm on Camouflage Hat Giveaway Night, presented by State Farm Agent Darlene Denison. The first 1,000 fans through the turnstiles will take home the amazing giveaway - gates open at 6:30pm.
Can't make it? Tune in to hear Blaze broadcaster Dan Besbris call all the action on the internet and radio, as the Blaze and Ports battle in the Saturday Night Game of the Week on SmartTalk AM-1230 locally, and worldwide at BakersfieldBlaze.com. The pregame show begins at 7:20pm, with the game to follow.
California League Stories from May 25, 2013
- Ports Hold on for 3-2 Win over Blaze - Stockton Ports
- Mavericks Use Big Inning to Defeat Giants, 8-6 - San Jose Giants
- RBI-Leader Aplin Drives JetHawks to Win - Lancaster JetHawks
- Quakes Drop Second Straight Home Game - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Win Streak Snapped at Six with Tough 3-2 Loss - Bakersfield Blaze
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