Blaze Mount Monster Memorial Day Comeback, Win 8-7
May 30, 2016 - California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
Memorial Day marked the end of a 7-game homestand for the Bakersfield Blaze and it might have come at the perfect time. The Inland Empire 66ers hung two crooked numbers on starter Anthony Misiewicz, but the Blaze erased a six-run deficit to shock Inland Empire, 8-7
Misiewicz was the victim of two three-run home runs hit by the 66ers, but he wasn't leaving with a loss on this day.
Zach Houchins touched Misiewicz up with a three-run homer in the second inning for his sixth long ball of the season to make it 3-0 Inland Empire. One inning later Michael Strentz drove a ball over the left field wall for his third homer of the campaign, a three-run shot, to push the lead to 6-0.
Two pitches got the better of Misiewicz as he gave up six runs, on five hits, in just four innings.
Despite Inland Empire's red-hot start, Bakersfield would not go away.
The Blaze comeback train got rolling in the third inning when Drew Jackson doubled home Joe DeCarlo with a shot to center field that was lost in the sun by Zach Welz. Jackson's day was far from over and his teammates rallied behind him.
Chantz Mack hit a solo home run to right field for his sixth of the season to make it 6-2 66ers in the fourth.
Back to work in the fifth inning, Bakersfield crept even closer. Justin Seager led things off with a single followed by a Drew Jackson double. With the infield playing back Aaron Barbosa grounded out to second scoring Seager as the lead dwindled down to 6-3. Jay Baum made it 6-4 when his sac fly to right scored Jackson before Mack singled home Petty, who was plunked on the helmet by a pitch. A 6-0 advantage was now cut to 6-5 at the end of five.
With the 66ers up 6-5 and two outs in the sixth, Justin Seager started the next rally by walking. After Drew Jackson's double, Aaron Barbosa singled to score both runners and give the Blaze their first lead of the day at 7-6. Bakersfield would add one more in the 8th on a pair of walks and Jay Baum's second sacrifice fly of the game, and the run would prove crucial when the Sixers got a solo homer in the 9th, but the Blaze held on for the one-run win.
Vinny Nittoli picked up his first win of the season with two scoreless innings of relief and Kyle Schepel earned his fourth save in five attempts as the Blaze and 66ers split the four-game series.
Drew Jackson led the furious offensive output going 3-4, 3 2B, 3R, and an RBI.
The Blaze head on the road after a day off for a seven game voyage north through Stockton and San Jose. Dave Gascon will have the call, and all seven games will be available at BakersfieldBlaze.com and via TuneIn Radio.
California League Stories from May 30, 2016
- Giants Shutout Nuts Behind Coonrod's Masterpiece - San Jose Giants
- Six-Run Sixth Lifts 'Hawks to Series Win - Lancaster JetHawks
- Storm Surge Early, Beat Ports 10-5 - Stockton Ports
- Defense Struggles, Castellani Doesn't in 3-0 Loss - Modesto Nuts
- Blaze Mount Monster Memorial Day Comeback, Win 8-7 - Bakersfield Blaze
- Sergio Romo Scheduled to Rehab Tuesday with San Jose - San Jose Giants
- Sixers Set Season-Highs in Runs, Hits in Win - Inland Empire 66ers
- Longest 9-Inning Game of the Year Goes to Visitors, 10-7 - Bakersfield Blaze
- Rawhide, Quakes Split Double Header, Series - Visalia Rawhide
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