Blaze Fall Back Early, Lose 10-2
Published on August 24, 2013 under California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
The San Jose Giants jumped on the Bakersfield Blaze in the 1st inning, and the home club could never recover, falling in the opener of the final homestand of the season, 10-2, on Fireworks Friday at Sam Lynn Ballpark.
For the second time this year, Fabian Williamson (L, 1-2) struggled with San Jose. After dominating the other three Northern Division clubs over his last three outings, the Giants just seemed to have his number.
In the top of the 1st inning, before the fans could settle into their bucket seats, the Giants put up three runs on five hits and a hit batter. A double play grounder rescued the Blaze from a bigger hole, but the 3-0 deficit would prove insurmountable.
After a scoreless 2nd, the Giants got back on the board in the 3rd. Again, the inning could have been much worse, but a double, two singles and a walk plated one more tally, and the Giants went ahead 4-0.
The 4th inning proved odd. A double and walk to begin the frame put two runners aboard, and, with Blaze catcher Danny Vicioso going through defensive signals, a balk was called on Williamson. The ensuing heated exchanged ended with Blaze reliever Joey Housey getting ejected from the bullpen, Williamson was removed by his Manager, and the Blaze pen was called upon to go the final six innings. A run later scored, putting the Giants up 5-0.
The Blaze got their only run of the night in the 5th on two singles and two walks off 1st rounder Kyle Crick (W, 2-1). Juan Silva bunted for a hit, and scored on a bases-loaded walk to David Vidal.
After Carlos Gonzalez worked two scoreless innings of relief, and Ben Klimesh dealt two of his own, the Giants put the game away.
Jimmy Moran, working through a bit of a pitching funk, allowed a three-run homer to Mac Williamson in the 8th, and a two-run shot to Bobby Haney in the 9th, taking the game to a 10-1 deficit.
The Blaze got a meaningless run in the bottom half off Jeff Soptic on a walk, single and Juan Perez RBI grounder.
The loss is the sixth in seven nights for a Blaze team that has scuffled down the stretch. The club has three more chances to get even with the Giants, beginning with the final Souvenir Saturday.
The Blaze will be giving away Bakersfield Outlaws T-Shirts to honor the George Culver-led 1978 club to the first 1,000 fans into the ballpark. Gates open at 6:15pm - show up early to ensure a giveaway. First pitch is scheduled for 7:15pm.
The pitching matchup for the Saturday Night Blaze Game of the Week is Kelvin Marte for the Giants, and James Allen for the Blaze. Make sure to tune in to listen to the baseball action locally on SmartTalk AM-1230 as Dan Besbris brings the call. Fans can, as always, tune in online at BakersfieldBlaze.com. The Blaze pregame show begins at 7:05pm.
California League Stories from August 24, 2013
- Marzilli's Homer Lifts Rawhide over Ports 4-2 - Stockton Ports
- Nuts Beat Storm, Return to Win Column - Modesto Nuts
- Giants Cruise to Seventh Consecutive Win - San Jose Giants
- Streak Ends in Walk-Off Fashion - Modesto Nuts
- DeShields Thrills with Walk-Off Winner - Lancaster JetHawks
- 66ers Win in All-Star Fashion - Inland Empire 66ers
- Odd Play Ruins Friday Night for Quakes - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Blaze Fall Back Early, Lose 10-2 - Bakersfield Blaze
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