Blaze Fall in Extras, 6-5
Published on May 27, 2012 under California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
For the second time on the current 6-game homestand, the Bakersfield Blaze needed more than 9 innings to decide a game, and, unfortunately, for the second time, the Blaze fell in extras, this time at the hands of the Inland Empire 66ers, 6-5.
The game had a very similar feel to that of Thursday night, when the Blaze sent that contest into extras against San Jose. This time around, Chad Rogers got the starting nod for the Blaze, and after surrendering 3 runs in the first 2 innings, Chad settled into a groove. At one point, Rogers retired 10 consecutive 66ers, and left after 6.2 innings, allowing just 1 additional run over his final 4.2 frames.
On the other side, Lay Batista made his second start of the year against Bakersfield, and struggled with control. Batista allowed 4 runs on just 3 hits, but allowed 5 walks. The Blaze got their scores in the 1st and 2nd innings on a Bryson Smith 2-run homer and a James Ewing 2-run double.
Bakersfield held the lead in this contest, 4-3, from the 2nd inning through the 7th, marking the 4th straight game in which Bakersfield has led by 1 run, and not a single tally more. The game, again, like the last 3, came down to a battle of bullpens.
Inland Empire turned to Eric Burkhard, and the big lefty combined with Buddy Boshers to toss 3 scoreless innings of relief. Meanwhile, Inland Empire got a run on a fielder's choice in the 8th to take a 5-4 lead. In the bottom of the 9th, the Blaze rallied. Ryan Chaffee (W, 2-0) allowed a 1-out single to Billy Hamilton, and a balk moved him to second. Devin Lohman followed with a bloop single to left, but Hamilton was gunned out at home. Bryson Smith then skied a fly to right, misplayed by Randal Grichuk, and on a stroke of luck, the Blaze tied things up at 5 and sent the game to extras.
In the 10th, however, the Sixers struck again. Dan Wolford (L, 4-3) allowed a double and a triple to give Inland a 6-5 lead, and Eric Cendejas (S, 1) tossed the bottom half, allowing just a 2-out single to Theo Bowe.
The loss is Bakersfield's 4th straight, and drops the team to 3 games over 500 for the first time since May 4, when the club was 15-12. The series with Inland Empire continues Monday afternoon on DOLLAR DAY as the Blaze invite all of Kern County to enjoy Memorial Day at the park. First pitch is set for 1:30pm. The game will be broadcast live on the Blaze website through the team's gameday audio link by play by play man Dan Besbris -- pregame is set for 1:20pm.
California League Stories from May 27, 2012
- Medica Mania Returns, Storm Win 6-5 in 14 - Lake Elsinore Storm
- Lancaster Falters Late in 14-Inning Game - Lancaster JetHawks
- Pacione Triple Earns Inland Empire Extra-Innings Win - Inland Empire 66ers
- Modesto Takes Sunday's Series-Opener - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Blaze Fall in Extras, 6-5 - Bakersfield Blaze
- Holy Cucamonga: Storm Fall 7-1 - Lake Elsinore Storm
- San Jose Giants on Deck: First-Place Giants Host Visalia in Return Home - San Jose Giants
- Inland Empire Falls in Extras for Second Straight Night - Inland Empire 66ers
- Giants Sweep Blaze to Finish Road Trip - San Jose Giants
- Four-Walk 7th Sets Back Blaze, 8-2 - Bakersfield Blaze
- JetHawks Win Series with Second Walk-Off Hit - Lancaster JetHawks
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