Pike Masterful But Blaze Lose Late, 2-1
July 31, 2015 - California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
The Beastmaster Tyler Pike spun his finest game of the 2015 season, but the good news ended there as the Bakersfield Blaze once again could not hang onto a late lead, and the Inland Empire 66ers plated a pair of runs in the waning frames to come back and steal the opener of a four game series, 2-1, in San Bernardino.
The Blaze had multiple early-game chances to separate themselves. After a Tim Lopes single and stolen base led to an unearned 1st-inning run off MLB rehab starter Jered Weaver (Tyler O'Neill had the sacrifice fly), the Blaze twice left the bases loaded - once in the 3rd and again in the 5th. An apparent missed safe-out call cost the Blaze a run in those frames, as well.
Meanwhile, Tyler Pike was as good as he has been at any point all year. Working both sides of the plate with a well-located fastball, Pike allowed just two hits over seven scoreless innings. The start was both his longest of the year and the fewest hits allowed. Pike fanned four and walked three, but would not get a decision.
And, as has been the case for the Blaze, on nights when the starter is dominant, the pen struggles (and vice versa), and tonight it took just three batters for Inland to tie the game off Emilio Pagan (L, 2-8) in the 8th. The next batter plated the go-ahead run. A walk and two singles was all it took to turn the tables and the Blaze were behind for the first time all game with just three outs to go. They would not come back.
Trevor Foss (W, 3-2) worked a scoreless top of the 8th for the win and Garrett Nuss (S, 1) pitched the 9th for his first save.
The series continues on Friday night with a 7:15pm start. Jordan Kipper and Brett Ash square off in game two of the seven game road trip. Fans are encouraged to listen to all the action live at BakersfieldBlaze.com and via TuneIn Radio. Dan Besbris has the call.
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California League Stories from July 31, 2015
- Inland Empire 66ers Honor Local DeVry University "Student of the Month" - Inland Empire 66ers
- Playoff Tickets on Sale Monday - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- San Jose Giants Honor Local DeVry University "Student of the Month" - San Jose Giants
- Rawhide Homestand Preview: August 3-9 - Visalia Rawhide
- Weaver Starts, Bats Win It Late for 66ers 2-1 - Inland Empire 66ers
- Big Inning, Strong Pitching Vault 66ers to Series Win - Inland Empire 66ers
- Inland Empire 66ers Honor Local DeVry University Student of the Month - Inland Empire 66ers
- Stockton Offense Struggles in 4-1 Loss to Giants - Stockton Ports
- JetHawks Fall After Hour-Plus Rain Delay - Lancaster JetHawks
- Pike Masterful But Blaze Lose Late, 2-1 - Bakersfield Blaze
- Quakes Back on Track with Thrashing of Lake Elsinore - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Giants Top Ports Behind Forjet's Gem - San Jose Giants
- Winning Streak Ends at Eight with 7-1 Loss - Modesto Nuts
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