Bakersfield Blaze Game Recap
August 13, 2016 - California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
While the visiting Lake Elsinore Storm pounded out 13 hits en route to only two runs, the Bakersfield Blaze scored all four of their tallies on homers, flushing the visitors in the homestand opener, 4-2, on Buck Owens Bobblehead Night at Sam Lynn Ballpark in Bakersfield.
Zack Littell (W, 6-1) got the starting nod, and was once again impressive. Working quickly with an array of sinkers and curled off breaking balls, Littell pitched out of a 1st inning pinch before settling in.
The Storm poked singles throughout the contest, finally breaking through for their only scores of the night in a two-run 5th. Three hits and a passed ball did the damage, and for a Blaze team that had scored just one run in the previous three games, combined, a two-run hole felt daunting.
But Bakersfield showed their moxie, scratching, clawing and grunting, and eventually, moving in front on a rare mistake by Storm starter Brent Kennedy (L, 5-8).
The Blaze took the lead for good in the 6th. Gianfranco Wawoe dropped one into centerfield for a single, and Drew Jackson followed by laying down a bunt to put two runners aboard for Chantz Mack. And Mack went full splash, depositing a line drive 395 feet away for a three-run homer, and giving Bako the 3-2 edge.
Kody Kerski would work out of a bases-loaded mess in the 7th to preserve the edge before Jordan Cowan hooked a solo shot into the catwalk for the game's final run.
Thyago Vieira (S, 3) struck out two in the 9th to preserve the win, plunging the Storm with a fastball that reached 99mph on the gun.
The series continues on Saturday with a Fireworks program, postgame. First pitch is set for 7:15pm and all the action can be heard live at BakersfieldBlaze.com and via the TuneIn Radio app.
California League Stories from August 13, 2016
- Inland Empire Bullpen Cracks in Nuts' 11-Inning Win - Inland Empire 66ers
- Home Runs Key 10-6 Victory over JetHawks - San Jose Giants
- Bakersfield Blaze Game Recap - Bakersfield Blaze
- Late Arriving Offense Puts Nuts on Top 3-2 - Modesto Nuts
- Sloppy Defense Leads to Loss vs. Rawhide - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Late Mavs Rally Sinks Ports 2-1 - Stockton Ports
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.
