Altavilla Spins Gem in Blaze Second Straight Win
July 13, 2015 - California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
Dan Altavilla (4-7) pitched the best game of his professional career, a complete game shutout in an 8-0 win for the Blaze. Altavilla lowered his ERA to 3.35, hurling the fourth complete game shutout in the California League this year, the first by a Blaze pitcher.
The Bakersfield righty ace would have plenty of run-support behind him as Blaze hitters racked up 8 runs on 10 hits. The Blaze scored as early as the 2nd inning off Visalia LHP Anthony Banda (5-7). Bakersfield busted out with a 4-run frame that included a RBI double from Jay Baum (10) and a 2-run single by Tim Lopes.
The eventful 2nd included a play where SS Domingo Leyba was ruled not to have touched second base, allowing Aaron Barbosa to reach the bag safely. Visalia manager J.R. House argued the call and was ejected by base umpire Patrick Sharshel.
Blaze hitters would go on to add four more runs throughout the game. Aaron Barbosa hit a RBI single in the 3rd, and Daniel Torres had a RBI double (1) in the 5th. The Blaze would cap off the evening on a Jay Baum RBI single and a Domingo Leyba error, giving Bakersfield an 8-0 lead that would turn out to be the final. It was their greatest offensive performance since June 15, a 9-8 victory over Inland Empire.
Dan Altavilla scattered just 7 hits on 2 walks and 6 strikeouts in the complete game shutout. The McKeesport, Pennsylvania native threw at least 7 innings in four previous starts on the season, and it the was the third time in 2015 that Altavilla did not allow an earned run in an outing.
The Blaze have already clinched a series win, and look to sweep the Rawhide on Monday night. It will be LHP Tyler Pike (2-3, 3.24) tossing for Bakersfield. First pitch is 7:00 pm at Recreation Park in Visalia.
California League Stories from July 13, 2015
- Chase Johnson Named California League Pitcher of the Week - San Jose Giants
- Altavilla Spins Gem in Blaze Second Straight Win - Bakersfield Blaze
- Five Storm Homers Sink Ports 11-7 - Stockton Ports
- Giants Win Sixth in a Row Behind Reyes' Gem - San Jose Giants
- Mavs Hand 'Hawks Loss with Five-Run Seventh - Lancaster JetHawks
- McMahon Homers in 4-1 Loss to Giants - Modesto Nuts
- Quakes Slip Past Sixers to End Skid - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
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