Blaze Drop Opener to Rawhide, 9-7
August 25, 2015 - California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
In a game that featured 14 walks and four errors, it was a pair of mental mistakes that hurt the Bakersfield Blaze, and a homer-happy Visalia Rawhide club stole the opener of a four-game series at Sam Lynn on Monday night in Bakersfield, 9-7.
The action started quickly. After Tyler Pike worked a scoreless 1st, the Blaze batted around against Visalia starter Blake Perry. Aaron Barbosa began the frame by drawing one of his five walks on the night (a team high for 2015 and just one off the California League record). Tim Lopes followed with a hit, and Tyler O'Neill was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Austin Wilson singled in a run, and Chantz Mack and Rayder Ascanio each followed with RBI grounders. After a catcher's interference call extended the frame, Justin Seager laced a single to right to plate Wilson for the inning's fourth and final run.
But the Rawhide stormed right back. A walk, an error and a three-run homer cut the Blaze lead to just 4-3 after two innings.
A rare scoreless 3rd preceded Bakersfield's big chance to step on Visalia's throat in the 4th. Another Barbosa walk and another Lopes single started the inning, and Wilson was plunked to load the bases again. Mack walked to force in a run, and after a pitching change, Ascanio smacked a rocket off the rightfield wall. But the Blaze baserunners advanced just one base, and Ascanio, not noticing, was tagged in a rundown.
That left the door open. Visalia scored two in the 5th to cut the Blaze lead to 6-5, and after Carlos Misell (L, 4-7) came on to work the 6th, Visalia let it rip, plating four in two innings to grab a 9-6 lead.
The Blaze had one final chance in the 8th, once again loading the bases with nobody out. A wild pitch scored Barbosa for a third time, but on a grounder with the infield back, the Blaze runners held, and Nick Sarianides (S, 23) locked in to get the final five outs.
Tom Jameson (W, 2-0) got the win for Visalia with 2.2 scoreless in relief, and Will Mathis pitched the final 2.1 innings of scoreless ball for the Blaze.
The series with Visalia continues on Tuesday evening in another 7:15pm start time, as Ryan Yarbrough takes the hill on ScholarShare Family $20 Night. Fans can enjoy $20 Family Fourpacks that include tickets, hot dogs and a program. In addition, the Battle for 99 Saga rolls on, with the Blaze offering 99-Brand Golden Ale for 99 minutes from 6:15pm.
Can't make it? That's a pity. At least you can listen in at BakersfieldBlaze.com or via the TuneIn Radio app. Dan Besbris has the call.
California League Stories from August 25, 2015
- Garrett Throws Complete Game, Ports Fall 6-1 - Stockton Ports
- Giants Open Road Trip with Wild 11-Inning Victory - San Jose Giants
- Blaze Drop Opener to Rawhide, 9-7 - Bakersfield Blaze
- Timely Hitting Leads 'Hawks over Quakes - Lancaster JetHawks
- Calhoun Homers Twice in Loss to Lancaster - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
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