Blaze Get 7th Straight over San Jose 11-6
Published on August 31, 2011 under California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
The Bakersfield Blaze built an 11-0 lead over the San Jose Giants, and despite some late-game antics, held on to win the opener of a 3-game set at Sam Lynn Ballpark in Bakersfield, 11-6.
The Blaze featured a methodical attack tonight, scoring in 7 of their 8 offensive innings. A series of line drives plated a run in the first, and a wacky sacrifice fly and error scored 1 more in the second. The Blaze ran their way to a 4th run in the 3rd inning, and were finally retired without scoring in the 4th by San Jose starter Tom Vessella (L, 3-4).
But the Blaze picked right back up where they left off, scoring an additional run in the 5th before Vessella was lifted for the pen. The pen, however, fared no better. A combination of Michael Main and Aaron King allowed 6 more runs over the final 3.1 innings, and the Blaze led 11-0 heading into the 9th. The Giants scored 6 times in that final frame on a 2-run homer by Hector Sanchez and a Luke Anders grand slam, but it was merely aesthetic in Bakersfield's victory.
The biggest story of the night, despite all the offensive heroics, was Tim Crabbe (W, 5-5). The Blaze starter was glorious, going 7 innings and allowing just 2 baserunners while striking out 8 en route to his 5th win.
With the win and Modesto's loss, the Blaze remain alive in the Playoff race. Tomorrow's second game of the series with the Giants takes place at 7:30pm, with Matt Fairel of the Blaze opposing Chris Heston of San Jose. Come on out to the park for the final Goodwill Giving Wednesday, which this week features half price concessions! And, if you can't make it, tune in to the broadcast LIVE on BakersfieldBlaze.com, as Dan Besbris calls all the action.
California League Stories from August 31, 2011
- 66ers Starter Ariel Pena Promoted - Inland Empire 66ers
- Mookas Named Cal League Clubbie-Of-The-Year - Lancaster JetHawks
- Three Quakes Named to Post-Season All-Star Team - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Two Rawhide Players Selected to Post-Season League All-Star Team - Visalia Rawhide
- Gary Brown Named 2011 California League Rookie of the Year - San Jose Giants
- Kole Calhoun Named California League All Star - Inland Empire 66ers
- Cal League Post Season Awards - CalL1
- Kole Calhoun Named California League All Star - Inland Empire 66ers
- 66ers Drop a Dozen on Lake Elsinore - Inland Empire 66ers
- Late Outburst Not Enough in 11-6 Defeat - San Jose Giants
- Songco and Magill Save Quakes on Tuesday - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Crumbliss Hits For Cycle In Ports' 17-4 Win - Stockton Ports
- Blaze Get 7th Straight over San Jose 11-6 - Bakersfield Blaze
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