Blaze Streak Ends with 7-1 Loss
Published on July 26, 2011 under California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
The Blaze used their heroics up in the first 2 games of the series, as Stockton snapped Bakersfield's 9-game winning streak with a 7-1 win heading into an off day.
The game was fairly one-sided for the first time in a long time -- Stockton scored twice in the first to lead 2-0, and after Bakersfield used an error to cut that deficit in half, that was as close as the Blaze would get.
Stockton induced 6 walks from Blaze starter Mark Serrano (L, 3-6), cashing in 5 times in 4+ innings, and reliever Jason Braun provided little in the way of support. After Serrano allowed the first 3 men in the 5th inning to reach base and 1 run in, Braun got a fielder's choice grounder, but then allowed 2 singles, 2 walks and a sacrifice fly, and Serrano was charged with 3 additional runs.
Stockton added another run in the 6th of Braun, and the lone pitching bright spot for the Blaze, Mace Thurman, tossed scoreless 7th and 8th innings.
On the other side, Dan Straily (W, 10-6) was brilliant, surrendering just an unearned run in 6 innings of 3-hit baseball. Straily has been tough on Bakersfield nearly all season long, and he was certainly the story of the night, where offense was tough to find for both teams, the Ports taking advantage of 9 walks to score most of their runs.
The loss, combined with Modesto's win, means the Nuts are now within a game of Bakersfield for the Wild Card spot, and the 2 teams open a 4-game series at John Thurman Field on Wednesday. All four games will be broadcast live at BakersfieldBlaze.com, with Dan Besbris rejoining the team. Tomorrow is an off day - enjoy the 24 hour break!
California League Stories from July 26, 2011
- Rawhide Release 2012 California League Schedule - Visalia Rawhide
- Ports Add 14th Fireworks Show - Stockton Ports
- 2nd Annual Charity Bowling Tourney Set for August 10 - Lancaster JetHawks
- 2012 Cal League Schedule Announced - CalL1
- 66ers Take Series Over I-10 Rivals - Inland Empire 66ers
- Blaze Streak Ends with 7-1 Loss - Bakersfield Blaze
- Quakes Drop Second Straight Home Game to 66ers - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Giants Hold off Visalia to Complete Sweep - San Jose Giants
- Stockton Snaps Losing Streak with 7-1 Win - Stockton Ports
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