Blaze Capitalize in 6th, Hold off Modesto, 5-3
Published on June 15, 2013 under California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
James Allen was fantastic once again, and thanks to one big inning, the Bakersfield Blaze were able to make it two consecutive road wins over the Modesto Nuts, grabbing the contest on Friday evening by the final score of 5-3.
The ballgame got off to a quick start, with Allen (W, 5-5) and Nuts fireballer Eddie Butler matching pitch-for-pitch the first two shutout innings.
In the 3rd, Modesto got on the board. Allen struggled with his control over the span of four batters, and that turned out to be enough for the Nuts to plate two. Jose Rivera singled on a hanging slider, Kyle Von Tungeln walked, and after a sacrifice, Taylor Featherston tripled in both runners, and the Nuts went up, 2-0.
The Blaze scratched a run across in the top of the 4th to cut the deficit in half. Yorman Rodriguez singled to center, with one out, Steve Selsky walked, and with two down, Juan Silverio chopped one off of Butler's glove for an infield hit, scoring Rodriguez.
The pivotal inning in the contest came in the 6th. After Butler was lifted due to an innings limit, Geoff Parker (L, 3-4) entered for the Nuts and was all over the place. Parker faced six batters, and did not retire any, issuing three walks, and giving up two singles and a two-run double to Silverio. Russell Brewer came on, and a double play grounder slowed the rally, but plated the fourth run of the inning, and the Blaze turned a 2-1 deficit into a 5-2 advantage.
Allen cruised after the 3rd. The Kansas State product ended the night going 7.0 innings, allowing just the the two 3rd-inning runs on five hits with four strikeouts.
Pat Doyle (S, 2), the new Blaze closer, was called upon to get the final six outs, and after a hiccup to start the 8th, Pat was dominant. A Featherston double and Ryan Casteel single plated the Nuts third run of the night to begin the 8th, but Doyle followed by striking out five of the next six batters, including the side in the 9th, for the save.
The win moves the Blaze to 28-40 on the year, and the team has now taken two in a row in Modesto.
The series with Modesto continues on Saturday night, as California League All-Star Dan Winkler will take the ball for the host Nuts, and the Blaze will counter with Mike Dennhardt.
Make sure to tune in to the Saturday night Game of the Week on SmartTalk AM-1230 locally in Kern County, and online through the Gameday Audio link at BakersfieldBlaze.com. Dan Besbris, Blaze broadcaster, will bring the pregame show at 6:55pm, with first pitch set for 7:05pm.
California League Stories from June 15, 2013
- JetHawks Win South's First Half, Clinch Playoffs - Lancaster JetHawks
- Hessler Strong in Win over San Jose - Visalia Rawhide
- Late Comeback Falls Short in 6-4 Loss - Bakersfield Blaze
- Quakes Rock Ports 13-2 - Stockton Ports
- Giants Clinch First Half Title with 10-Inning Win - San Jose Giants
- 1st Half Title Hopes Alive After 4-3 Victory - Inland Empire 66ers
- 'Hawks Rally in Ninth to Clinch Share of Title - Lancaster JetHawks
- Nuts Fall 5-3, Drop Fourth Straight - Modesto Nuts
- Garcia Goes Deep Twice in Big Win - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Blaze Capitalize in 6th, Hold off Modesto, 5-3 - Bakersfield Blaze
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