Blaze Open August on Winning Note, 8-4
August 2, 2015 - California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
Will Mathis was stellar in relief and Tyler O'Neill and Nelson Ward homered as the Bakersfield Blaze doubled up the Inland Empire Sixty Sixers on Saturday night in San Bernardino, 8-4.
The game started with great promise, and fulfilled it. With two outs in the 1st, Tim Lopes reached on a fielding error and Tyler O'Neill followed with his 23rd homer of the season, a two-run shot to right off Victor Alcantara (L, 5-9) to give Bakersfield a 2-0 lead. The homer has moved O'Neill into a tie for first place in the Cal League in longballs.
Two innings later, the Blaze pushed farther in front when Nelson Ward crushed an opposite field two-run homer, scoring Aaron Barbosa in front of him and pushing the Blaze in front, 4-1.
And after another two innings, the Blaze surged far enough ahead to feel comfortable. In the 5th, Carlton Tanabe singled to begin the frame, and Nelson Ward tripled him in with one out. Tim Lopes followed with a run-scoring knock to center for a 6-1 lead.
That would prove enough. Jake Zokan got the start coming back from a shoulder injury and went 2.2 innings. Mathis (W, 3-2) worked 3.1 innings of relief, giving up just one run on two hits for the win.
Then, after Carlos Misell struggled for an inning-plus, Rafael Pineda (S, 6) picked up the pieces, working the 8th and 9th for the win.
The Blaze added a pair of insurance runs while the Sixers were attempting to mount a comeback. Rayder Ascanio's ground rule double plated Austin Wilson in the 6th, and Ward's sacrifice fly scored Tanabe in the 9th for the game's final run.
The big offensive outburst paired with solid pitching gave Bakersfield a much-needed win, snapping a four-game losing skid in the process, and the team will shoot for a series split on Sunday at 5:05pm behind Scott DeCecco. Fans can listen to the action live at BakersfieldBlaze.com and TuneIn Radio. Dan Besbris has the call.
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California League Stories from August 2, 2015
- Ports Fall to Giants 6-2 in Series Finale - Stockton Ports
- Blaze Open August on Winning Note, 8-4 - Bakersfield Blaze
- Ports Prevail 8-5 in 12 Innings - Stockton Ports
- Giants Fall in 12 Innings, Home Win Streak Ends - San Jose Giants
- Mavs Walk off on Infield Grounder in Ninth - Lancaster JetHawks
- Streaks Snapped in 8-4 Win - Inland Empire 66ers
- Nuts Slam Rawhide in 8-5 Win - Modesto Nuts
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