Blaze Drop Tight One in Opener, 2-1
Published on April 8, 2016 under California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
On a chilly, drizzly night at Sam Lynn Ballpark, in front of more than 1,300 mostly jersey-clad fans, the Bakersfield Blaze took a one-run lead into the 8th inning only to see the Visalia Rawhide claw from behind and send the Blaze to a season-opening 2-1 loss.
Josh Taylor got the start for the visiting Rawhide, and he and Blaze starter Andrew Moore battled to a near-stalemate for the first five innings.
In the 6th, the Blaze drew first blood on the season when Austin Wilson lined a slicing drive just inside the rightfield foul pole for a solo homer and a 1-0 lead.
The advantage would last just over an inning, though, as Visalia's Chuck Taylor lined a game-tying drive over the fence in right in the 8th.
Later in the 8th inning, the Rawhide would score the game's final run and push in front. With two outs and the bases clear, Blaze reliever Ryan Horstman (L, 0-1) would allow a single and a double to put runners and 2nd and 3rd. Kody Kerski was summoned from the pen to try to quell the rally, but back-to-back walks forced in the go-ahead run, and the Blaze found themselves behind, 2-1.
Bakersfield nearly came back to tie in the 9th. Chantz Mack walked and moved to 3rd on a wild pitch and an infield single, but Visalia closer Jimmie Sherfy got a key strikeout and a groundout to put a lid on Bakersfield's comeback effort, and deal the Blaze a home defeat in the season's first game.
Andrew Moore finished his first California League start going 6.0 shutout innings, walking one and striking out six. For the Rawhide, Bud Jeter (W, 1-0) pitched 1.1 scoreless frames out of the pen to pick up the win.
Game one is in the books, but 139 remain, and the next one is Friday night at 7:15pm once again. The Blaze will be giving out Schedule Magnets to the first 1,000 fans in attendance, presented by El Tejon Pharmacy. Fans are encouraged to arrive early, as Blaze players will be signing autographs from 6:15 to 6:40pm. Gates open at 6:15pm.
Fans that cannot attend can listen to all the action live at BakersfieldBlaze.com or via TuneIn Radio. Dan Besbris has the call with pregame show set to begin 10 minutes prior to first pitch.
California League Stories from April 8, 2016
- Friday's Giants-JetHawks Game Suspended - San Jose Giants
- Visalia Hangs on for Tight 2-1 Win on Opening Night - Visalia Rawhide
- JetHawks Edged in Season Opener - Lancaster JetHawks
- Ports Tag Nuts Early in 13-2 Loss - Modesto Nuts
- Lake Elsinore Spoils Rancho's Championship Celebration - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- 66ers Drop Season Opener at High Desert, Houchins Homers - Inland Empire 66ers
- Giants Edge JetHawks in Season Opener, 4-3 - San Jose Giants
- Ports Crush Nuts 13-2 in Opener - Stockton Ports
- Blaze Drop Tight One in Opener, 2-1 - Bakersfield Blaze
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