Back-to-back Walkoffs; Blaze Zip Past Nuts, 5-4

August 9, 2015 - California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release


For the second consecutive night the Bakersfield Blaze and Modesto Nuts moved into the bottom of the 9th inning in a tie game, and for the second straight evening the Bakersfield Blaze refused extra innings, this time winning the contest on a bases-loaded error, 5-4, on Derek Carr Jersey Night at Sam Lynn Ballpark.

This one played out a bit differently than the previous night, with both Modesto and Bakersfield slogging their ways through a rather ugly game.

Dan Altavilla and Antonio Senzatela, a pair of aces, threw the ball well, though neither factored into the final decision. Altavilla went 7.0 innings for Bakersfield, and was a bit unlucky, giving up four runs on only five hits while striking out eight. The runs all came off the bat of Raimel Tapia, who smacked a three-run homer on the first pitch after a missed pop fly, and an RBI double in Dan's final frame.

Senzatela was solid, as well, though for a shorter stint, as the 20-year old went just 5.1 innings while allowing a pair of unearned runs in his final frame. That inning turned out to be a bit of a turning point. Guillermo Pimentel drew a leadoff walk and advanced to third on an infield hit and error. Another Modesto miscue scored Guillermo to cut the Blaze deficit to 3-1, and Rayder Ascanio ended up all the way at third base. After a pitching change, Chantz Mack dribbled a roller up the third base line to plate run number two.

Then, in the very next inning, the top of the order cashed in. Nelson Ward singled and Tim Lopes tripled him in. Tyler O'Neill followed with a sacrifice fly to tie the game at four.

Aaron Brooks (W, 1-2) picked up for Altavilla and worked a pair of spotless innings, and in the bottom of the 9th, the Blaze once again took advantage of a mistake to end the ballgame.

With Matt Carasiti (L, 3-7), the Modesto closer on the mound, Daniel Torres drew a leadoff walk and Aaron Barbosa was called upon to pinch run. A bunt advanced him to second, and Lopes followed with an infield hit when Carasiti failed to cover first base. O'Neill was intentionally walked to load the bases, and Austin Wilson followed with a grounder to first base. The throw home was wide, and poor, and the winning run scored to end it, 5-4.

The error was Modesto's third of the game and most costly as it led to Bakersfield's second straight walkoff win and the team's seventh victory in eight days. The Blaze are streaking!

The homestand and series come to an end on Sunday at 7:30pm as Tyler Pike goes head-to-head with Alex Balog. Gates open at 6:30pm for Princess at the Park Night and K-12's Kids Run the Bases Sunday. Come meet Disney's Elsa and Anna, as well as the Amazing Spiderman from 7-9pm.



California League Stories from August 9, 2015


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