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Inland Empire 66ers

Blaze Bullpen Stymies Sixers to Open Series

May 28, 2016 - California League (CalL1)
Inland Empire 66ers News Release


Bakersfield, CA - The Inland Empire 66ers got seven runs against the Bakersfield Blaze starter on Friday at "Historic" Sam Lynn Ballpark but got literally nothing against the bullpen in a 8-7 loss. A trio of Blaze relievers tossed a combined five perfect innings and Chantz Mack drilled a seventh-inning solo homer to break up a 7-7 tie in the seventh frame to give Bakersfield the series opener.

Inland Empire fell behind 3-0 after an inning but answered in the top of the second when Blaze starter Tyler Pike walked two straight batters with one out. Zach Houchins then smashed a three run homer to tie the game 3-3. It was Houchins' fifth homer, his first since April 10th. Inland Empire continue to get to Pike in the fourth. Taylor Ward singled and scored on Michael Strentz' doule. Wade Wass then clubbed a two-run homer out to left, his second of the year and gave IE a 6-3 lead. Tim Arakawa capped the scoring with an RBI single to make it 7-3. Caleb Adams walked after that, he was the last batter to reach base the rest of the night as the Blaze retired the final 16 batters in the game.

The Blaze (22-26) were able to get four runs in bottom of the fourth against Inland Empire (16-33) starter Jeremy Rhoades to tie the game 7-7. Rhoades lasted 3.2 innings allowing seven runs on eight hits with three walks. Pike went four giving up seven in four innings on five hits with five walks and nine Ks.

Chantz Mack led off the bottom of the seventh by drilling a solo shot off IE reliever Keynan Middleton (1-1) to give the Blaze the 8-7 lead. Aaron Brooks (1-1) got the win for the Blaze with three perfect frames. Jacob Zokan tossed a perfect eighth and Vinnie Nittoli had a perfect ninth to earn his save, his first.

The series continues Saturday at 7:30 pm. It can be heard live at 66ers.com and 1570 AM KPRO.

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California League Stories from May 28, 2016


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