Blaze Stifle Rawhide in Opener, 8-3
Published on August 13, 2013 under California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
The Visalia Rawhide came into town on an eight game winning streak, and the Bakersfield Blaze wanted nothing of it, taking advantage of three Rawhide errors and knocking out 13 hits en route to a cruising 8-3 win in the opener of a three game series at Sam Lynn Ballpark on Carl's Jr. Dollar Monday.
In front of a strong Monday Dollar Day crowd, Fabian Williamson (W, 1-1) dazzled. Williamson, picking up where he left off in his start against the Ports, went to work quickly, allowing just a pair of singles through the first four innings.
Meanwhile, the Blaze scratched a pair of early runs off Daniel Watts (L, 1-4). In the bottom of the 3rd, Juan Perez doubled to extend his hitting streak to six games, and Yovan Gonzalez singled him home. And, just one frame later, Steve Selsky singled and David Vidal doubled him in.
The Rawhide did briefly grab the lead in the 5th. A pair of walks was followed by a one-out three-run homer by Evan Marzilli. That lead, however, was short-lived.
The Blaze tied the game in the bottom half on an error and a Juan Silverio double, and in the 6th, the Blaze pushed ahead for good. Watts began the inning on the hill, and the first four Blaze reached against him to end Daniel's night. Diogenes Rosario came on and was not much better, allowing two singles and a sacrifice fly.
In all, eight Blaze batters came to the plate, six reached safely, the team scored five runs, and went up big, 8-3.
The rest of the night was accomplished via cruise control. Williamson went seven innings without allowing another run, and Joey Housey and Ben Klimesh worked the final two frames to wrap up the win.
The win is the 5th in 7 games for the Blaze, and snaps an 8-game winning streak for the visiting Rawhide. The Blaze also move to within just 6.5 games of the second half division race at 21-30, with 19 to play.
The series with Visalia continues on Tuesday night with the team's 3rd Annual Facebook Fan Night, where Facebook fans of the Blaze page can get in completely free on a first come, first serve basis. Gates open at 6:15pm, with first pitch set for 7:15pm.
It is also Subway's $23 Tuesday at the yard. Can't make it? Listen to Dan Besbris call the action online at BakersfieldBlaze.com through the Gameday Audio link or via your TuneIn Radio app. The Blaze pregame show begins at 7:10pm, with baseball action to follow!
California League Stories from August 13, 2013
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- San Jose Giants on Deck: Giants Open Three-Game Series in Modesto Tonight - San Jose Giants
- Blaze Stifle Rawhide in Opener, 8-3 - Bakersfield Blaze
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