Blaze Sleepwalk Through 4-1 Loss
Published on May 5, 2015 under California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
The Bakersfield Blaze looked like a team that had spent a few extra hours on a bus over the last two days on a Monday night in Modesto, as the Modesto Nuts pushed out in front early, and the Blaze could never quite muster a rally in falling 4-1 in the opener of a four-game set.
The story of the evening was the Modesto pitching, as Bakersfield's only run came in the 1st inning.
With two outs and no one on base, Tyler O'Neill launched a rocket to deepest left-center off Modesto starter Harrison Musgrave (W, 3-1), putting the Blaze ahead 1-0. That lead, however, would last just seven minutes.
In the bottom of the 1st, the Nuts began their onslaught against Carlos Misell (L, 1-1), as a pair of two-out doubles tied the game at one.
Two innings later, Modesto went in front for good. Two singles and a walk loaded the bases with nobody out, and a grounder to the right side looked like a potential double play. But Misell forgot to cover first base, the Blaze settled for just a force play, and another soft groundball later had the Nuts on top, 3-1.
Modesto added another insurance run in the 5th, Misell's final inning.
Meanwhile, the Blaze offense struggled from the get-go. Musgrave retired eight Blaze in a row between the 2nd and 4th innings, and twice set down four in a row while holding the Blaze at bay.
Bakersfield had one chance late in the game, as two Modesto errors put Bako runners at the corners with one out in the 8th, but a pair of groundouts ended the threat, and Carlos Estevez (S, 3) worked a 1-2-3 9th to end it.
O'Neill's homer was one of two bright spots for the Blaze in the ballgame, as Paul Fry pitched three dominant innings of relief, striking out six batters while allowing just one base hit.
The loss drops the Blaze to 2-2 on the current seven game road trip, and the team will look to bounce back on Tuesday night behind the electric right arm of Edwin Diaz. Modesto counters with Grahamm Wiest.
Blaze fans are encouraged to tune in to all the action on BakersfieldBlaze.com or TuneIn Radio app. Dan Besbris has the call with pregame show at 6:55pm. First pitch is set for 7-o-clock.
California League Stories from May 5, 2015
- Fernandez's Leadoff Homer Extends Streak in Loss - Lancaster JetHawks
- 66ers Announce Halo Days - Inland Empire 66ers
- Rawhide Defeat Quakes in Series-Opener on Monday - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Stockton Sends Skid to Five in Series Opener - Lancaster JetHawks
- Storm Hold off Giants, 5-4 - San Jose Giants
- 66ers Drop Series Opener to Mavs 7-4 - Inland Empire 66ers
- Blaze Sleepwalk Through 4-1 Loss - Bakersfield Blaze
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
