Blaze Squelch Nuts, 1-0
August 7, 2015 - California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
The Modesto Nuts came to town hot and the Bakersfield Blaze froze them out, as three Blaze pitchers combined on a shutout and one solo home run provided the difference in a speedy 1-0 win on Thirsty Thursday at Sam Lynn Ballpark in Bakersfield.
In a ballgame that took just over two hours to play (allowing local newsmen the opportunity to watch the end of the game!) the Blaze and Nuts traded quick innings from start to finish.
Jake Zokan made his second start since coming off the disabled list, and the Blaze lefty worked five scoreless innings, pitching out of a two-on, one-out jam in the 4th to quell the only Nuts rally he faced.
Will Mathis (W, 4-2) followed by stranding two Nuts on base in the 6th and two Nuts more in the 7th. His efforts did not go unrewarded, as the Blaze came up with the game's only run in the home half of the 6th.
Konner Wade (L, 7-7), who ended up tossing a complete game for Modesto (eight innings in the loss) was cruising, but red-hot Nelson Ward, on his 22nd birthday, smashed a two-out solo homer to right field, his fifth of the season, and the Blaze took the only lead either team would need, 1-0.
After Mathis got the first out in the 8th, the Blaze turned to Kyle Schepel (S, 2), the hard-throwing righthander who retired five of six batters faced for his second save in as many chances.
The victory moves the Blaze to 5-1 in August, and marks the team's second 1-0 victory of the year over Modesto. The other came on the sixth day of the season.
The series with Modesto continues through the weekend with three more games. Friday night is the first of them in another 7:30pm start. Scott DeCecco takes the hill for the Blaze, who look to win six of seven games for the first time since mid-April. Gates open at 6:30pm, and fireworks will follow, thanks to ScholarShare.
Can't make it out? Listen to Dan Besbris call the action live at BakersfieldBlaze.com and via TuneIn Radio.
California League Stories from August 7, 2015
- Three Homers Help Power JetHawks Win - Lancaster JetHawks
- San Jose Giants Homestand Preview: August 11 - August 16 - San Jose Giants
- Blaze Honor DeVry Student of the Month - Bakersfield Blaze
- Ports Prevail 10-9 to Snap Skid - Stockton Ports
- Giants Drop 15-Inning Marathon to Storm - San Jose Giants
- Storm Snap Streak, Bullpens Dominate - Inland Empire 66ers
- Visalia Opens Series with 15-3 Win over Sixers - Inland Empire 66ers
- Blaze Squelch Nuts, 1-0 - Bakersfield Blaze
- No Punch from Nuts in 1-0 Loss - Modesto Nuts
- Sixth-Inning Rally Keys Win over Mavs - Lancaster JetHawks
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