Not a No-No, But Not Bad;
June 26, 2016 - California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
The Modesto Nuts may have collected a hit in the 1st inning, but the Bakersfield Blaze stretched their shutout streak to 18 innings, blanking Modesto for the second straight game, 7-0, on Fireworks Saturday night at Sam Lynn Ballpark in Bakersfield.
The Nuts dug themselves an unpleasant hole early. After Tyler Pike whipped through an easy top of the 1st, Carlos Polanco showcased a wildness seldom seen. Polanco failed to make it out of the 1st inning, facing eight batters, hitting one and walking five, and thanks to an error, the Blaze plated three runs without a hit.
That would be more than enough for Pike and the surging Blaze bullpen. Tyler worked 6.0 innings, stranding the bases loaded in the 6th in his only true test. The southpaw showcased improved command and aggression, as well, striking out six while walking just two.
In the home half of the 6th and 7th, the Blaze added a marginal poker hand but a good stretch of scoring: two pairs. Gianfranco Wawoe smashed a two-run homer in the 6th off Colin Welmon to extend the lead to 5-0, and a dropped pop fly allowed Bakersfield's newest outfielder Gus Craig to drive in his first Cal League RBI as part of a two-run 7th and a touchdown lead.
Modesto failed to muster much against the Bakersfield pen, either. Kody Kerski turned in two innings of relief, allowing one baserunner in each frame but nothing else, and Lukas Schiraldi, making his first relief appearance of the year, worked around a two-out double in the 9th to wrap it up, and get the Blaze their second shutout win in as many nights.
The series and homestand wrap up in a 7:45pm game on Sunday, with Star Trek theme night. Fans in Star Trek gear get in for free, or Star Trek t-shirts are good for a discount on tickets.
Can't make it out? Listen as Dan Besbris brings the call at BakersfieldBlaze.com and via TuneIn Radio.
• Discuss this story on the California League message board...
California League Stories from June 26, 2016
- Giants Fall to Ports in Series Finale, 7-4 - San Jose Giants
- Ports Earn Series Win with 7-4 Victory - Stockton Ports
- Quakes Drop Series-Finale to Mavs - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Giants Top Ports, Earn First Second Half Win - San Jose Giants
- Moyer Mashes Rawhide in Sixers' 8-1 Win - Inland Empire 66ers
- Giant Innings Sink Stockton in 7-4 Loss - Stockton Ports
- Nuts' Bats Silenced Again in 7-0 Loss - Modesto Nuts
- Not a No-No, But Not Bad; - Bakersfield Blaze
- Rancho Rebounds on Saturday, Beats Mavs - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Lake Elsinore uses six long balls to power 20-hit attack - Lancaster JetHawks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
