Blaze Shocked in 9th, Fall 5-4
September 3, 2015 - California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
On a windy night that saw the Bakersfield Blaze hold the lead for the game's first eight innings, the Lancaster Jethawks got one big hit in the 9th and overtook Bakersfield to steal the middle game of this three-game set in Bakersfield, 5-4, on Wednesday night.
The Blaze grabbed the lead right out of the chute. In the bottom of the 1st, Aaron Barbosa drew the first of his three walks on the night, and after stealing his 27th bag of the season, Tyler O'Neill picked up the RBI with a clean single to left.
Two innings later, the Blaze added one more, and it was again Barbosa and O'Neill. Aaron drew another leadoff walk, but this time moved to third on a Nelson Ward single. O'Neill brought him home on a flyball to deep right, and the Blaze took a 2-0 lead.
But the Jethawks battled back all night, beginning with a run in the 5th off Blaze starter Scott DeCecco, who didn't have his best stuff on the night but fought his way through 5.1 innings.
Lancaster got even in the 6th after DeCecco issued two walks, and a single off Aaron Brooks tied it up.
In the home half, though, Lancaster's defense seemingly cost them the game. Two Blaze singles were compounded by two Jethawks errors, and the Blaze pushed in front 4-2 off reliever Christian Powell (W, 3-2).
Brooks worked a scoreless 7th and Ramon Morla pitched the 8th, but in a rare twist, Rafael Pineda (L, 3-3) had a bout of control issues, hitting a batter and walking another, and Lancaster came up with a key RBI single to cut the deficit to one, and a two-run double put the Jethawks in front.
The Blaze got a runner aboard in the home half, but a double play ended it, and the Jethawks were able to steal game two, forcing Thursday's game into rubber match status.
The homestand continues with the third and final game with Lancaster on Budweiser's Throwback Thirsty Thursday. Dollar beer will be served at Sam Lynn Ballpark from 6:15 to 8:15pm, so fans are encouraged to arrive early. Dan Altavilla will make his final start of the year for Bakersfield (with just four games to go after the conclusion of this one).
Fans that cannot attend can tune in online to listen to every moment of Blaze action at BakersfieldBlaze.com and via the TuneIn Radio app. Dan Besbris has the call.
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California League Stories from September 3, 2015
- McMullen's Double Leads Comeback Win - Lancaster JetHawks
- Stockton Falls 5-2, Magic Number Down to Two - Stockton Ports
- Giants Clinch Playoff Berth with 3-2 Walk-Off Win - San Jose Giants
- Mavericks Edge 66ers 5-4 in "Gallant" Effort - Inland Empire 66ers
- Blaze Shocked in 9th, Fall 5-4 - Bakersfield Blaze
- Nuts Fall 3-2 in Walk-Off Fashion - Modesto Nuts
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