Blaze Lose Pitchers' Duel
July 25, 2015 - California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
Over 1,300 fans came out on Friday night to watch the Bakersfield Blaze take on the San Jose Giants - one thousand took home bobbleheads, but the Blaze could not cap the night by taking home a win, falling to the San Jose Giants in a tight game throughout, 2-1, at Sam Lynn Ballpark.
The scoring was well-contained. In the top of the 1st, the Giants plated an unearned run on a fielding error, a base hit and a run-scoring grounder off Dan Altavilla (L, 4-8). San Jose got their only other run on back-to-back hits to open the 5th inning, taking their 2-1 lead that would remain for the remainder of the night.
Altavilla ended up suffering the defeat for the Blaze despite throwing the ball well once again, going 6.0 innings while allowing just one earned run (two total) and striking out seven.
The Giants hurlers were too much for the Blaze offense, a team that had countless chances but failed to capitalize. The Blaze had a baserunner in seven of the first eight innings on the night, scoring just once on a Tim Lopes RBI double in the 4th to plate Tyler O'Neill.
Martin Agosta got the start for the Giants but left in the 4th inning with an apparent left leg injury. Christian Jones (W, 5-0) picked up in relief and worked 3.1 innings of scoreless baseball, stranding multiple Blaze in two innings.
Ian Gardeck and Jake Smith (S, 6) finished the night for the Giants.
For the Blaze, they will look back on this as a game that was within reach. The club went just 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position while San Jose, a team with far fewer opporunities, went 2-for-6 in similar spots. The Blaze stranded nine baserunners.
The loss evens the series at one win apiece with two games to go. The battle with San Jose continues on Saturday night - Colby Lewis Bobblehead Night and the second half of the back-to-back bobbleheads at Sam Lynn. Once again, 1,000 bobbleheads will be distributed, so fans are encouraged to arrive early. Gates open at 6:45pm and first pitch is scheduled for 7:45pm with Tyler Pike going head-to-head with Jason Forjet.
California League Stories from July 25, 2015
- Mengden Masterful for Ports in 5-3 Win - Stockton Ports
- Bats Quiet against Former 'Hawk Mengden - Lancaster JetHawks
- Giants Bullpen Shines in 2-1 Victory - San Jose Giants
- Rancho Rips Inland Empire on Friday - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Quakes Jump to Early Lead, Shine on Mound - Inland Empire 66ers
- Blaze Lose Pitchers' Duel - Bakersfield Blaze
- Sensational Senzatela Sparkles in Nuts 4-0 Success - Modesto Nuts
- Soto's Homer Lifts Ports Past JetHawks 5-4 - Stockton Ports
- Homer in Sixth Spoils Martes' Debut - Lancaster JetHawks
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