Blaze Cruise to Win, 8-0
July 6, 2016 - California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
Zack Littell worked six scoreless innings in his Blaze debut, the offense slowly pulled away, and the Blaze grabbed their 10th win of the second half in just 13 games, 8-0, on a special Dollar Tuesday at Sam Lynn Ballpark.
The game turned on defense.
With nobody out and two Mavs aboard in the 1st, High Desert's Josh Morgan hit a drive to the wall in left, and Arby Fields made a leaping catch. From there, Littell (W, 1-0) settled down, using the guys behind him and flipping the game into autopilot, with only minimal threats due, once again, to some dazzling defensive plays.
Joe DeCarlo and Braden Bishop each turned in a superb play in the defensive 2nd, and the Blaze would come up with the only runs they would need in the home half. With two outs and the bases empty, Tyler Marlette singled to center - one of three hits for Marlette for the second straight game - and Justin Seager deposited a change-up into the trees for a two-run homer and a 2-0 lead.
From there, Bakersfield slowly pulled away. Another run off Tyler Davis (L, 3-4) in the 3rd on a walk, a double and an error made it 3-0; a single tally in the 7th off Matt Milroy came on a Bishop fielder's choice grounder; and finally, a four-run 8th sealed the contest.
Austin Pettibone struggled with his command in the 8th, with four Blaze drawing walks, and two singles helped push across runs. Bishop's two-run single brought the game to the final score of 8-0.
Bakersfield's bullpen handled their business as usual, as well, with Jake Zokan turning in a pair of shutout innings, and Kody Kerski worked around a couple of singles in the 9th to finish the contest and grab Bakersfield's 8th shutout victory of the year.
The series is now even at one game apiece going into Winning Wednesday, and the Blaze improve to a league-best 10-3 since the All Star Break, as well. Tyler Pike will take the ball for the Blaze at 7:45pm on Wednesday night.
Can't make it out? Listen to Dan Besbris with the call live at BakersfieldBlaze.com or via TuneIn Radio.
California League Stories from July 6, 2016
- Sixers Win in 13 on Fletcher's Walk-Off Hit - Inland Empire 66ers
- Dawel Lugo Honored as Player of the Week - Visalia Rawhide
- Extras Unlucky for Quakes on Wednesday - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- 7th Inning Stretch Announces Investment in Ebbets Field Flannels - Stockton Ports
- Dawel Lugo Named California Player of the Week - Visalia Rawhide
- 66ers Force Extras, Fall to Quakes 7-4 - Inland Empire 66ers
- Blaze Cruise to Win, 8-0 - Bakersfield Blaze
- Early Blasts Lift Ports Past Storm 6-3 - Stockton Ports
- Quakes Need Extras to Down 66ers - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Martin Goes Deep Twice In 10-6 Loss - Lancaster JetHawks
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