Bako Plays Another Ten Frames, Falls 4-3
Published on May 12, 2015 under California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
For the second night in a row, the Bakersfield Blaze held a lead over the Visalia Rawhide into the late innings, but for a second straight evening, the Rawhide overtook the Blaze, winning the finale of a three-games-in-four-nights set, 4-3, in ten innings on a crowded Dollar Monday night in Bakersfield.
The starter battle was as advertised.
Edwin Diaz got the nod for the Blaze, and one of the top hurlers in the California League lived up to his billing, giving up just a pair of solo homers over 6.0 innings of work while striking out eight. The runs were the first given up by Edwin in 25.1 innings of work at Sam Lynn Ballpark this season.
Anthony Banda was equally impressive for the Rawhide, going deeper in the game by turning in 8.0 innings of work. Banda did not have the power numbers of Diaz, but induced an absurd five double play grounders from Blaze batters, and the Blaze found their frequent rally efforts stymied throughout the night.
Bakersfield got their early runs in the 1st and 4th innings.
In the bottom of the 1st, a leadoff single for Ian Miller was followed by a Visalia throwing error, putting runners at second and third. Austin Wilson slapped a base hit up the middle to drive in both, and the Blaze led 2-0.
Leading 2-1 in the 4th, Tyler O'Neill put another stamp on the homestand with his third homer in the last two games, a majestic shot to put Bakersfield back on top by two runs, 3-1.
In the late innings, Visalia had the edge. A solo homer brought the Rawhide to within a run in the 5th, and two frames later, a key Blaze throwing error allowed Visalia to tie the game at three runs apiece.
And so it would remain until the 10th. With Will Mathis (L, 0-1) on the hill, Visalia got a leadoff infield single, and a sacrifice bunt moved the go-ahead run into scoring position. Mathis got the second out on a grounder, but Stewart Ijames slammed a double to right, putting the Rawhide in front for good, 4-3.
Daniel Gibson (W, 1-0) worked the 9th for the win, and Nick Sarianides (S, 3) pitched the 10th for a save.
The Blaze now head out on the road for another seven-game set away from Bakersfield, beginning with three in Rancho Cucamonga (all at 7:05pm), followed by four in High Desert.
Ryan Yarbrough will begin the Blaze road trip on Tuesday night in Rancho Cucamonga, and the Quakes counter with Johnathan Richy.
Blaze fans can tune in to hear every moment of Blaze action while the team is on the road at the team's audio links online at BakersfieldBlaze.com and via TuneIn Radio on a mobile device. Dan Besbris has the call, with pregame show set to begin five minutes prior to first pitch.
California League Stories from May 12, 2015
- Sean Doolittle to Make Rehab Appearance in Stockton - Stockton Ports
- Reed Named Cal League Player of the Week - Lancaster JetHawks
- San Jose Giants on Deck: Seven-Game Road Trip Begins with Series in Modesto - San Jose Giants
- Bako Plays Another Ten Frames, Falls 4-3 - Bakersfield Blaze
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.
