Blaze Fall Late in Opener, 3-2
April 10, 2015 - California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
Bakersfield Blaze Opening Night
(Bakersfield Blaze)
The Bakersfield Blaze 2015 opened with fans enjoying their Thirsty Thursday, but closed with defeat as the Blaze mustered just two hits in a season-opening 3-2 loss at the hands of the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.
The Blaze held a lead at the midway point, thanks in large part to Rancho's shoddy defense. In the bottom of the 5th inning with the two teams still scoreless, Jay Baum drew a one-out walk for Bakersfield. Tyler Marlette followed with a scorched single to right, and two errant throws later, Marlette came all the way around, and the Blaze moved in front 2-0.
The pen couldn't hang on to the lead.
Rafael Pineda worked the 6th inning, giving up a solo homer while pitching around a pair of walks, and Paul Fry allowed the tying run in the 7th before working a scoreless 8th.
Emilio Pagan, a closer last season, was called upon in the 9th with the game tied at 2, but like the relievers before him, Pagan struggled with control, issuing a leadoff walk that would ultimately be the go-ahead run for the Quakes.
The starting pitching was certainly a highlight of this low-scoring affair. Prized Mariners prospect Edwin Diaz made his season debut for the Blaze, and was everything and more, working 5.0 shutout innings while striking out 8 opposing hitters.
Equally impressive was the performance of Rancho Cucamonga's starter, Jose De Leon, who allowed two unearned runs while striking out nine Blaze.
The homestand continues on KGET-TV's Fireworks Friday, as the Blaze look to bounce back with a win over the Quakes and get onto the right side of the ledger. Ryan Yarbrough, another of the Mariners top arms, gets the start, and Zach Bird gets the call for the Quakes.
Fans looking to attend the game can purchase tickets at the box office, by phone at 661-716-4487 or online at BakersfieldBlaze.com.
Can't make it? Listen to @DanBesbris call the action live online via TuneIn Radio. Gates open ta 6:15pm; first pitch is set for 7:15pm, and the pregame show begins at 7:10pm.
Images from this story
 Bakersfield Blaze Opening Night |
 Bakersfield Blaze Opening Night |
California League Stories from April 10, 2015
- Quakes Slip Past Blaze in Opener - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Vasquez Blooper Sends 'Hawks to Opening Day Win - Lancaster JetHawks
- Ninth-Inning Run Sends Giants To Season-Opening Defeat - San Jose Giants
- Blaze Fall Late in Opener, 3-2 - Bakersfield Blaze
- 10 Unanswered Runs Drop Nuts - Modesto Nuts
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