Unusual Ejection Can't Deter Bako in 6-5 Win
May 6, 2016 - California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
It was the first time that most had witnessed the strangeness of the 1st inning, but by the time the night was done, the Bakersfield Blaze were feeling much better, as the boys from the San Joaquin once again took an early lead over the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, and this time held on for the 6-5 win.
The victory came in the finale of a season-long 10 game road trip, and sends Bakersfield back home having split the ten games with a 5-5 mark.
And tonight, after a sloppy, and to some degree, mysterious start to the game, the Blaze started clicking, and got a much-needed win.
The weird quotient ramped up early. After Bakersfield posted a zero in the top of the 1st, Tyler Herb (W, 3-0) took to the hill to warm up, but just before his first pitch, time was called and both umpires and Blaze Manager Eddie Menchaca began looking and pointing toward the Bakersfield bullpen. It was only after some discussion, and some communication from the press box that it was determined that Blaze reliever Ramon Morla had been tossed from the game for refusing to move his bullpen chair. It remains unclear what prompted the ejection, but suffice it to say that it ranks among the more odd player removals in recent memory.
Only moments later, the Blaze committed three errors to give up a run, and it seemed like it may be a long night.
Things turned for the better from that point. The Blaze posted two runs in each of the next three innings off Rancho starter Yaisel Sierra (L, 0-1), utilizing a well-rounded attack that saw six different Blaze each post one RBI. By the end of the 4th, the Blaze had built a 6-2 lead and Herb was cruising.
Easy games are tough to come by in 2016, and the Quakes scored two in the 5th and one more in the 7th, and the Blaze handed the ball to the bullpen with a narrow 6-5 lead.
The Blaze had already twice given up leads to the Quakes in the series, but tonight Isaac Sanchez (S, 1) saw to it that previous mistakes would not be repeated. Sanchez struck out two over the final two innings, stranding the tying run at third base in the 9th and locking down the win.
The Blaze open up a 10-game homestand on Friday, May 6th with the Diamond Dig, presented by Jane's Jewelers. A near sell-out is expected, so fans are encouraged to purchase tickets before game-time by calling 716-4487.
The game can also be heard live on BakersfieldBlaze.com and via TuneIn Radio. Dan Besbris has the call, with first pitch set for 7:15pm.
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California League Stories from May 6, 2016
- Anderson Shines in 4-1 Sixers Victory - Inland Empire 66ers
- San Jose Giants on Deck: Giants Return Home for Three Games against Lake Elsinore - San Jose Giants
- Unusual Ejection Can't Deter Bako in 6-5 Win - Bakersfield Blaze
- Giants Edge Ports to Complete Four-Game Sweep - San Jose Giants
- Early Homer Sends Stockton to 2-1 Loss - Stockton Ports
- Garlick with Big Night in Quakes' Loss - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Alejandro Garcia notches two hits as the 66ers bookend series with wins - Lancaster JetHawks
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