Blaze Completes Sweep in San Jose with 10-4 Finale
Published on June 2, 2012 under California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
The Bakersfield Blaze blitzed to just a half game back of the San Jose Giants in the California League North with a 10-4 win on Friday night in San Jose, completing a sweep of the Giants behind more clutch hitting and strong pitching.
Chad Rogers (W, 3-2) got the start for the Blaze, and for the second consecutive outing, ran into a little trouble early. Rogers gave up 3 runs in the 2nd inning (2 earned), and 1 additional run in the 3rd, but, as he did against Inland Empire 5 days ago, Rogers responded. Chad scattered just 3 additional baserunners over the next 3 innings, going 6.0 and getting the win behind another strong Blaze offensive showing.
Bakersfield scored early, often, and ran the Giants wild. In the top of the 1st, Billy Hamilton singled, stole second, took third on a wild pitch, and scored on a grounder, and the Blaze added another in the 2nd. Then, trailing 4-2 in the 5th inning, the Blaze put the first two men aboard before Hamilton bounced an RBI single into center to make it 4-3. With runners on the corners and one out, Giants starter Jack Snodgrass (L, 5-2) threw to first to drive Hamilton back to the bag, and Theo Bowe took off for home. The throw was there ahead of the runner, but Theo slid under the tag attempt, stealing home to tie the game. A single later in the inning put the Blaze on top 5-4, and Bakersfield never looked back.
The Blaze added 3 in the 8th off Seth Rosin, and 2 in the 9th off Edward Concepcion to make the final score a bit of a laugher, but fine bullpen work from Mike Griffin, who pitched the 7th and 8th, and Brian Pearl, who took care of the 9th, sealed the Blaze's 5th straight win overall, and locked up the sweep at Municipal Stadium. The win also sent San Jose to its 6th straight loss.
With the victory, Bakersfield is now just 0.5 game behind San Jose in the race for the first half. The Blaze heads home to host Modesto for 3 and Visalia for 3 starting tomorrow on Sunscreen Giveaway Souvenir Saturday. Tickets are still available, or you can always listen LIVE to the broadcast at BakersfieldBlaze.com or locally on SmartTalk 1230AM, as Saturday marks another "Blaze Game of the Week."
California League Stories from June 2, 2012
- Pablo Sandoval to Make MLB Rehab Tonight - Stockton Ports
- San Jose Giants on Deck: Giants Travel to Stockton Looking to Get Back on Track - San Jose Giants
- Cron Delivers Walk off Winner - Inland Empire 66ers
- Winless Homestand for Giants After 10-4 Loss - San Jose Giants
- Castro Helps Rout Rawhide for Sweep - Lancaster JetHawks
- Pericht Crushes Storm as Quakes Take Two of Three - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Blaze Completes Sweep in San Jose with 10-4 Finale - Bakersfield Blaze
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