Blaze Win Despite Wildness, 11-6
May 15, 2012 - California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
It wasn't picture-perfect, but it counts just the same, as the Bakersfield Blaze dealt the Stockton Ports the team's 14th consecutive loss with an 11-6 victory in the opener of a quick 3-night, 4-game homestand at Sam Lynn Ballpark in Bakersfield.
The game began in fairly clean fashion. Blaze starter Justice French went 5.0 shutout innings, extending his scoreless inning streak to 11, and allowed only 4 baserunners on 2 hits and 2 walks. Meanwhile, on the other side, the Blaze took a 4-0 lead on Stockton starter T.J. Walz (L, 2-3), scoring all 4 runs on 2-out base hits in the 2nd and 3rd innings.
From the 6th inning on, things took a turn for the wild. Brooks Pinckard entered from the Blaze pen and promptly issued 2 walks and a 3-run homer to cut the Blaze advantage to just 4-3. Pinckard got an out on a fine diving play at third by Travis Mattair, but walked one more, and Griffey went back to the pen. Daniel Wolford (W, 3-1) allowed a game-tying double to Josh Whitaker, but settled down to record 5 big mid-game outs while the Blaze retook the lead 5-4.
Two innings later, the Blaze put the game away, scoring 6 runs - all unearned - in the bottom of the 8th off Nate Long. Donald Lutz clubbed his League lead-tying 11th homer of the season to seal the deal, putting a cap on his own 5-for-5 night.
Just when the game appeared over, however, Chris Joyce lost his command. Joyce walked 2 in the 8th, 3 more in the 9th, and it took Mike Griffin coming in to get the final out. The 11 walks issued was a season-high for Bakersfield, but the team squeaked through, and got the win.
With the victory, the Blaze improve to 21-15 and claw back within 2 games of San Jose in the North. The series at Sam Lynn continues Tuesday with a day-night doubleheader, known now as Dollar Taco Tuesday, from Jack in the Box. Admission is one dollar; hot dogs are one dollar; beer is one dollar in the afternoon game; every fan in attendance gets 2 free tacos from Jack in the Box, and margaritas and a taco truck will be on site to assist in the fun! Come on down, or tune in LIVE on BakersfieldBlaze.com, as Dan Besbris calls the action in both 7-inning contests. Pregame show for game one is set for 2:50pm, first pitch at 3pm. Game two is set for 7:30, pregame show ten minutes prior.
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California League Stories from May 15, 2012
- Blaze Sweep Doubleheader from Ports, 2-1 and 6-1 - Bakersfield Blaze
- Saturday, June 30th Marks the Doug Wilhoit Garden Gnome Giveaway - Stockton Ports
- Outfielder Added to Inland Empire Roster - Inland Empire 66ers
- Blaze Win Despite Wildness, 11-6 - Bakersfield Blaze
- Giants Rally Falls Short in 5-3 Loss to Nuts - San Jose Giants
- Quakes Sharp in 5-1 Win - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Offense Goes Silent against Redding, Quakes - Lancaster JetHawks
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