Blaze 7-Game Win Streak Halted
Published on May 9, 2014 under California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
The Bakersfield Blaze are human after all, and after opening up the month of May with seven straight wins, the Inland Empire 66ers salvaged one of four from the home team with a 6-4 come-from-behind win on Thursday night in Bakersfield.
The contest began as a battle of lefties, and it seemed as though the Blaze might run away early. After Wandy Peralta (L, 3-3) turned in a scoreless top of the 1st, the first of four straight spotless innings, Bakersfield went to work on Sixers starter Tyler DeLoach (W, 2-0).
Juan Silva singled up the middle to begin the frame, and after the Blaze press box announced that dollar beer would be extended by 15 minutes for every run the Blaze scored, Ryan Wright deposited the very next pitch over the wall for a two-run shot.
The fun was just beginning. Jesse Winker walked, and ended up scoring after a stolen base, passed ball and balk moved him around. And Marquez Smith scored later in the inning after walking and coming home on a David Vidal double.
But DeLoach settled down after the 1st and held the piping hot Blaze at bay, while Inland did all their damage in a six run 6th. Peralta was rolling along, but the first six Sixers in the frame came up with hits, including one in which Peralta failed to cover first base. A wild pitch, a passed ball and a sacrifice fly later, and Inland let, 6-4.
The bullpens went toe to toe over the final four innings, though the Blaze were not without chances. Two singles in the 7th set the table, but a double play grounder body slammed that rally, and the Blaze had a runner thrown out at home in the 8th to cap another chance.
Chris O'Grady (S, 1) worked the final three innings for two different types of save.
The loss is the first for Bakersfield in the month of May, dropping the team to 7-1 this month, and 13-5 at home with three more on the homestand coming over the weekend. The club will, however, maintain a 6.0 game lead over the next opponent from Visalia as the Rawhide lost, as well.
The Blaze open up a big three game series with the Visalia Rawhide beginning Friday and running throughout the weekend. Friday marks another Fireworks Friday, with an airborne show set to take place after the conclusion of the game. First pitch is set for 7:15pm, with James Allen going for the Blaze and Jesse Darrah for the Rawhide.
Seats still remain, but are going fast, as both Friday and Saturday are expected to be near sell-outs.
Can't make it out? Never fear. Friday is another Blaze Game of the Week, and Dan Besbris has the call live on internet and radio. Locally, the game will be carried on the Blaze flagship station, SmartTalk AM-1230, and globally online at BakersfieldBlaze.com and TuneIn Radio.
California League Stories from May 9, 2014
- Rawhide Homestand Preview: May 13-19 - Visalia Rawhide
- San Jose Giants on Deck: Giants Host Inland Empire in Three-Game Weekend Series - San Jose Giants
- Stockton Earns Series Split with 6-2 Win - Stockton Ports
- Nuts Strand Nine in 4-1 Loss - Modesto Nuts
- Quakes Split with High Desert After Thursday's Loss - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Lake Elsinore Storm Drop Third Straight - Lake Elsinore Storm
- Giants Take Series from Nuts with 4-1 Victory - San Jose Giants
- Blaze 7-Game Win Streak Halted - Bakersfield Blaze
- JetHawks Take Series, Top Spot in South - Lancaster JetHawks
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