Ash Cruises, Blaze Shut Down 'Hawks 2-0
September 2, 2015 - California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
The Bakersfield Blaze began September the right way, winning the opener of a season-ending seven-game homestand 2-0 over the red-hot Lancaster Jethawks on a kooky Tuesday night at Sam Lynn Ballpark in Bakersfield.
On a night that featured a visit from Dinky the Dog, star of Vine, a Twitter and Instagram mixer and a dog adoption, amazingly, the story of the game was Brett Ash (W, 8-8). Ash, who consistently lives around the strike zone, flew along for the game's first five innings without allowing a runner to reach second base. Brett was able to pitch out of a two-on, one-out jam in the 6th, and worked out of a second-and-third, one-out mess in the 7th, and ended his sterling evening going seven scoreless innings. The win was Brett's eighth of the year, tops on the Blaze, and his ERA now ranks eighth best in the League.
Meanwhile, the Blaze offense struggled to much besides accept walks, but a key 1st inning rally provided the only runs the team would need.
With one out, Aaron Barbosa slapped a single into left, and Tim Lopes and Tyler O'Neill each followed with a walk to load the bases. After Jethawks starter Troy Scribner (L, 2-6) struck out Austin Wilson, Kyle Petty worked the count before banging a two-run single into leftfield for the early 2-0 lead.
The bullpen for the Jethawks was excellent, going five scoreless innings to keep Lancaster in the contest, but the Blaze pen, though their work was shorter, was equally up to the task.
Will Mathis allowed two singles in a scoreless 8th and Emilio Pagan (S, 7) struck out the side in a perfect 9th to lock down the win, Bakersfield's 19th in the last 30 games.
The series with Lancaster continues on Wednesday's Alianza Nonprofit Night, where fans bringing e-waste items to the park get in for free. Gates open at 6:15pm and first pitch is set for 7:15pm.
On the field, the Blaze will send Scott DeCecco to the hill as the club looks to continue its strong late-season play. Fans can listen to the game on BakersfieldBlaze.com or via the TuneIn Radio app, and Dan Besbris has the call.
California League Stories from September 2, 2015
- Ports Post Largest Comeback, Beat Rawhide 9-5 - Stockton Ports
- JetHawks Bats Silenced by Blaze Hurlers - Lancaster JetHawks
- High Desert Opens Series with 4-2 Win - Inland Empire 66ers
- Ash Cruises, Blaze Shut Down 'Hawks 2-0 - Bakersfield Blaze
- Forjet Hurls Gem in Giants Shutout of Nuts - San Jose Giants
- Nuts Shutout 2-0 against the Giants - Modesto Nuts
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