Three Batters Are Three Too
July 18, 2014 - California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
The first three Lake Elsinore Storm batters reached base and scored to start the game, and though the final score would get touched up a bit the rest of the way, that would be more than enough as the Bakersfield Blaze struggled to score and fell 9-1 in front of a sold out Thirsty Thursday crowd in Bakersfield.
And, without oversimplifying too much, not much that happened after the 1st inning had a large bearing on the game.
Wandy Peralta (L, 6-8) got the start, and though his final line wasn't had bad, the outset was rough. A bunt single began the game, and a pair of doubles gave the Storm a 2-0 lead, all they would end up needing three batters into the ballgame. A flyball scored a third run in the inning, as well.
Zach Eflin (W, 9-5) was solid for the Storm, scattering seven hits over 6.0 innings of baseball, and allowing his only run in the 5th when Sean Buckley collected one of his three knocks, moved to third on a Marquez Smith base hit, and scored when Juan Perez rolled a single into right.
For Peralta, after the shaky first three hitters, the Blaze southpaw was actually quite solid. Wandy worked perfect 3rd and 6th innings, allowing just two additional runs (one earned) while going 6.0 innings. His poor 1st inning was too much, and Peralta took the defeat.
Jimmy Moran worked the 7th for the Blaze, and James Allen the 8th, but the game got out of hand in the 9th. Ben Klimesh, the Blaze closer, seemed to lack his normal adrenaline, and the Storm ultimately scored four in the inning, moving ahead 9-1 and putting a nail in the Blaze uncomfortable wooden box.
The loss is the ninth in ten games for the Blaze, who continue to search for a win after rattling off seven wins in a row to start the month. The club falls to 57-40 on the season, and 12-15 in the second half with five more to go on the current homestand.
The series with Lake Elsinore continues, and concludes on Fireworks Friday with Mike Dennhardt (BAK) opposing Colin Rea (LE) in a fun matchup.
The game is also a Blaze Game of the Week! The broadcast can be heard on both radio and internet, with Dan Besbris bringing the call on the flagship station of SmartTalk AM-1230 and globally at BakersfieldBlaze.com and TuneIn Radio.
First pitch is set for 7:45pm, gates open at 6;45pm, the broadcast begins five minutes before first pitch and the firework show comes immediately following the game, with tickets starting at just 7 dollars.
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California League Stories from July 18, 2014
- Late Homers Can't Save Ports in 8-7 Loss - Stockton Ports
- Gregor Goes Deep Twice, 'Hawks Lose to 'Hide - Lancaster JetHawks
- Three Batters Are Three Too - Bakersfield Blaze
- Giants Take Second Straight From Quakes, 7-5-5 - San Jose Giants
- Early Deficit Too Much in 10-2 Loss - Modesto Nuts
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