Blaze Erase Six-Run Deficit, Walk off 7-6
June 13, 2016 - California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
In another late-night marathon contest with the Stockton Ports, the Bakersfield Blaze found themselves in a 6-0 hole early. And for the second time in the last five home games, the Blaze came all the way back, punching two runs across in the bottom of the 9th for a spectacular 7-6 walkoff win.
The ballgame featured 27 combined hits and nearly three and a half hours of action, and courtesy of the late starts, the game did not finish until almost 11:30pm, but those that stuck it out to the conclusion were rewarded when Aaron Barbosa doubled over the drawn-in outfield, scoring Arby Fields and Gianfranco Wawoe and turning a 6-5 deficit into the final score.
The game got to that point with a pair of bursts from Stockton and a slow grind from Bakersfield.
Tyler Herb started the game for the Blaze and in a rare twist was not dominant. The big righthander surrendered a pair of homers over 4.0 innings, shots that accounted for five of the Ports six runs. The final run came across after Herb exited, but Tyler was charged with all of the visiting team's work.
From there, however, the Blaze bullpen took over, and quietly became the heroes of the night. Kody Kerski worked 3.0 scoreless innings, the 5th, 6th and 7th, and the Blaze worked themselves back to within a run.
In the bottom of the 5th, the Blaze batted around, plating four runs on a two-run single from Chantz Mack, and RBIs from Daniel Torres and Joe DeCarlo. Two innings later, Torres grounded out to bring home the team's fifth run.
Jake Zokan (W, 2-0) took over for Kerski in the 8th and promptly retired all six batters he faced, giving the offense one more shot.
The last of the 9th proved just enough opportunity. Carlos Navas (L, 1-3), the Ports closer, issued a walk to DeCarlo, who reached base five times in the contest, and Wawoe collected his fourth hit of the night with two outs. That brought the Barbosa to the dish, and the rest was history, at least for a night.
The win is number 11 in 12 tries for the streaking Blaze who will face the Visalia Rawhide here at home for four games over the next three days, including a Monday doubleheader at 1pm and 7:45pm.
Fans are encouraged to join the fun for two Dollar Day games, but Dan Besbris will have the call at BakersfieldBlaze.com and TuneIn Radio for those that cannot attend.
California League Stories from June 13, 2016
- San Jose Giants Host Stand Together Series - San Jose Giants
- Henderson Alvarez Scheduled to Rehab in Stockton - Stockton Ports
- San Jose Giants on Deck: Seven-Game Homestand Begins with Series against Inland Empire - San Jose Giants
- Ports Blow Largest Lead of Season, Fall 7-6 - Stockton Ports
- Blaze Erase Six-Run Deficit, Walk off 7-6 - Bakersfield Blaze
- Bednar's 11th Inning Blast Propels Giants to Victory - San Jose Giants
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