Blaze Avoid Nutty No-No, Lose Heartbreaker 1-0
August 16, 2015 - California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
It took the Bakersfield Blaze eight-plus innings to get their first hit of the night, then left the bases loaded in the 9th as the Modesto Nuts held on, clinging to a 1-0 lead for the final five innings and dropping the Blaze for a second straight game at John Thurman Field in Modesto.
The story tonight was Nuts starter Alex Balog (W, 2-5), who was defeated by Bakersfield six days back at Sam Lynn Ballpark. Tonight, Balog was not to be denied, as the Nuts starter worked 7.2 no-hit innings, only facing one trouble-spot in the 4th.
In that inning, a strikeout-wild pitch combo, along with a walk and a hit-by-pitch gave Bakersfield a bases loaded look with one out, but a double play grounder ended the threat.
In the next half inning, Modesto netted the game's only run. Ryan McMahon doubled to right with two outs and Ashley Graeter followed with an RBI single off Blaze starter Ryan Yarbrough (L, 2-6), who made a mostly successful return from a groin injury while going four innings.
The Blaze bullpen was masterful. Carlos Misell and Rafael Pineda combined to retire all 12 Modesto batters they faced to keep the game a one- run contest, and it almost worked.
In the 9th, after Matt Pierpont got the final out in the 8th, Matt Carasiti (S, 18) came on to try for the save while preserving the no-hitter. His efforts did not last long as Tim Lopes bounced a clean single into left field to begin the inning and break up the no-no. Chantz Mack followed with a single to right, and Austin Wilson was hit by a pitch for the 24th time to load the bases with nobody out.
The fun ended there. Kyle Petty lined out, and the next two Blaze batters were each caught looking on borderline change-ups, ending the game a buck shy.
The Blaze will look to rebound on Sunday in the series finale behind Brett Ash in a 6:05pm start. Fans can listen to every moment of Blaze action on BakersfieldBlaze.com and via the TuneIn Radio app. Dan Besbris has the call.
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California League Stories from August 16, 2015
- Rawhide Roll Past Ports 9-1 - Stockton Ports
- Quakes Roll to Yet Another Win over Storm - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Nuts Lose No-Hitter in 1-0 Win - Modesto Nuts
- Blaze Avoid Nutty No-No, Lose Heartbreaker 1-0 - Bakersfield Blaze
- JetHawks Stymie Giants to Even Series - San Jose Giants
- Yuhl Stymies San Jose in Winning Effort - Lancaster JetHawks
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