Bako Falls in Another 14-Inning Epic, 4-3
July 19, 2015 - California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
For the second time in two weeks, the Bakersfield Blaze played 14 innings, and for the second time, the Blaze found themselves on the wrong side of the final score, dropping a heartbreaker in Stockton to the Ports, 4-3.
The game was, for all purposes, fairly clean.
Dan Altavilla got the start for Bakersfield, and once again showed why the Mariners are so excited about his arm, going 7.0 innings while surrendering just two runs on a pair of 3rd-inning doubles and a 6th-inning solo homer.
The Ports countered with Matt Stalcup, who worked six innings of two-run baseball, as well. Bakersfield's runs were among the milestones of the year, though, as Aaron Barbosa hit his first professional homer in the 3rd inning, a two-run shot.
The Blaze got their third run of the night in the 7th on Jay Baum's double to score Justin Seager, that run coming off Sam Bragg.
But the Ports tied it up on a tremendously fortunate series of 8th-inning events. With Nick Valenza rolling along in relief, a bloop single to right was followed by a grounder up the third base line. Baum was ready to backhand the roller, which instead skipped off the front edge of the bag and ricocheted into the left field corner, scoring the tying run and forcing the game into bonus frames.
Neither team was able to score in the 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th or 13th innings, with Rafael Pineda working for Bakersfield and the Ports using Brendan McCurry, Ben Bracewell, and finally, Sam Roberts (W, 4-2).
In the bottom of the 14th, one little crack in the window gave Stockton the momentum they needed. Carlos Misell (L, 2-6) had already worked a strong 13th, but issued a one-out walk in the 14th, and the runner advanced to second base on a ball in the dirt - only when the throw kicked out of Rayder Ascanio's glove did Stockton get that extra 90-feet. With two outs, B.J. Boyd lined a game-winning single to center to end it.
The loss is the fourth walkoff defeat for Bakersfield in their last eight road games, and the second straight extra-inning game (the team is 1-1 in the last two days), playing 25 innings over the weekend so far.
The series with Stockton continues on Sunday evening with a 6:05pm start, as Tyler Pike takes on Kyle Finnegan. Fans can tune in to the action at BakersfieldBlaze.com and TuneIn Radio - Dan Besbris has the call.
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California League Stories from July 19, 2015
- Johnson, Villalona Propel Giants Past JetHawks - San Jose Giants
- Fisher Goes Deep, But Giants Edge JetHawks - Lancaster JetHawks
- Ports Outlast Blaze in 14 for 4-3 Win - Stockton Ports
- Bako Falls in Another 14-Inning Epic, 4-3 - Bakersfield Blaze
- Homer Helps 'Hawks Steer Clear of Shutout - Lancaster JetHawks
- Senzatela Shines in Nuts' 5-3 Victory - Modesto Nuts
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