Blaze Behind Early, Can't Catch Up
Published on August 7, 2011 under California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
The Blaze fell behind early, and despite numerous attempted rallies from both teams, the Lake Elsinore Storm held onto a 2-run lead from start to finish, and beat the Blaze 3-1 on Saturday night at Sam Lynn Ballpark in Bakersfield.
J.C. Sulbaran (L, 8-3) surrendered a 2-run homer in the first to the Storm's Tommy Medica, and despite giving up just a single run over the next 5 innings, the Blaze could muster only a run off Lake Elsinore starter Andrew Werner (W, 5-1), and shouldered a tough loss to drop the team 3 games back of Modesto in the Wild Card.
The Blaze had chances late: a hit, a walk, and a wild pitch in the 7th put the tying runs at 2nd and 3rd with 2 outs, but Jeremy McBryde induced a pop-up to escape the jam, and McBryde again worked out of a 2-on, 2-out rally in the 8th. Jason Ray pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his 8th save of the season.
With the loss, the Blaze fell 4 games under 500, and went just 3-4 on an important homestand. The team now heads to San Jose for 3 games, where the Blaze are 0-7 this season. Sunday's game is a 5pm start in the Bay Area, with Daniel Renken being opposed by the Giants' Andy Reichard. The game will be available on BakersfieldBlaze.com, with Dan Besbris carrying the play by play starting at 4:50pm.
California League Stories from August 7, 2011
- Blaze Get back in Win Column - Bakersfield Blaze
- San Jose Giants on Deck: Giants Return Home for Three Games Against Blaze - San Jose Giants
- Blown Call Helps Visalia Avoid Extra-Innings Sweep - Stockton Ports
- Blaze Behind Early, Can't Catch Up - Bakersfield Blaze
- Late Home Run Propels Giants to 3-2 Win - San Jose Giants
- JetHawks Edge 66ers to Earn Series Split - Lancaster JetHawks
- Nuts Hold on for 5-4 Win Over Quakes - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Sixers Can't Overcome Early Deficit - Inland Empire 66ers
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.
