Blaze Downed in Extras in Second Half Opener
Published on June 26, 2015 under California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
The Bakersfield Blaze twice erased deficits to the Lancaster Jethawks, but the third proved one hole too many, as Lancaster plated a pair of runs in extra innings, and held on for a ten-inning, 8-6 win over the Blaze on a late Thursday night in Bakersfield.
The game featured two very distinct halves. The first half, heavy on offense, started with eight combined runs in the 3rd. Lancaster batted around in the top of the inning, chasing Blaze starter Brett Ash while scoring three and leaving the bases loaded. But the Blaze came back with a five-spot in the home portion of the frame, led by Tyler O'Neill's two-run homer (his 15th), and Kyle Petty's run-scoring triple.
In the very next half inning, the Jethawks tied it up at five. With Will Mathis on the mound, a pair of baserunners and some wild pitches led to two runs. The Jethawks took a one-run lead in the 6th, but left the bases full for a second time in the contest.
Bakersfield got even in the 7th, their second comeback of the game. Tim Lopes singled to reach base for the third time in the game, then ended up at third base after stealing second and moving an extra 90 feet on an errant throw; a slow roller scored him.
Neither team was able to come up with runs in the 8th or 9th, but Lancaster broke through in the 10th. After Rafael Pineda worked three scoreless innings of relief, Emilio Pagan (L, 2-6) followed with two of his own but gave up back-to-back solo homers in the 10th to break the tie and take a loss.
The Blaze put the tying runs on board on the bottom of the 10th, but failed to bring them in, as Reymin Guduan (S, 4) got the save. Kevin Comer (W, 1-2) pitched four innings of relief, giving up one run, for the win.
The loss to open the second half was yet another close one, and the Blaze have dropped five games in a row by a combined seven runs, a ridiculously low number. The Blaze also played their league-leading 12th extra-inning game and fell to 4-8 in those contests.
The series with Lancaster continues with the first half of our two-day Donation-Fest. The Blaze want fans to bring School Supplies to the park on Friday or Saturday night for free tickets to the games, with donations going to the Boys and Girls Club of Kern County. Gates open at 6:45pm with first pitch at 7:45pm.
Austin Chismon (LAN) will oppose Eddie Campbell (Bak). The broadcast will go live at 7:40pm with Dan Besbris on the call. Fans can listen at BakersfieldBlaze.com or TuneIn Radio.
California League Stories from June 26, 2015
- Quakes Win Fourth Straight Road Game - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Win Streak Ends at Nine with 3-2 Loss at 66ers - Stockton Ports
- Two Homers in 10th Boost 'Hawks to Win - Lancaster JetHawks
- Blaze Downed in Extras in Second Half Opener - Bakersfield Blaze
- Giants Suffer 5-2 Loss in Second Half Opener - San Jose Giants
- 2015 San Jose Giants Tyler Beede and Keury Mella Selected to All-Star Futures Game - San Jose Giants
- Timely Hitting Helps Nuts to 5-2 Win - Modesto Nuts
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