Blaze Suffer Eighth Blown Save, Lose 7-6
May 4, 2016 - California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
In a pattern that has become almost debilitating, the Bakersfield Blaze built a cushy four-run lead over the first seven innings on Tuesday night in Rancho Cucamonga, but the Quakes scored five runs in the final two frames, and dealt Bakersfield a heartbreaking walk-off loss, 7-6, at LoanMart Field.
Andrew Moore was masterful, though ultimately, the Oregonian earned a no-decision. After allowing two runs in the initial two innings, Moore settled in, hitting his breakneck pace in the 3rd, and cruising through the 7th without giving up another tally. Andrew set a personal best with nine strikeouts in the contest, as well.
Meanwhile, the Blaze bats were alive from the outset. Bakersfield plated two runs in the 3rd to tie the game and chased Rancho started Andrew Sopko with two more in the 5th.
Another single run in the 6th and one more in the 8th had the Blaze feeling confident and sitting pretty with a four-run edge.
After Moore's departure, though, fortunes changed. Kody Kerski was a bit unlucky in the 8th, giving up three softly hit singles, a wild pitch and a groundout that cut the Blaze advantage to 6-4, and after Alexander Burgos (W, 1-0) worked his third inning in relief for the Quakes, the bottom of the 9th launched at the Blaze like a cannon.
Kyle Schepel (L, 3-1), who had previously been immune to the bullpen struggles, came on to retire the leadoff man, but an error at shortstop opened the door just a crack. A walk and a hit-by-pitch loaded the bases for Tim Locastro, who slammed a double into the gap in right, scoring all three baserunners for the walkoff win for the host team.
For Bakersfield, a bitter pill goes down again in the team's 10th loss by one run, fifth walkoff defeat, and eighth blown save in just 11 tries. The team falls to 11-14 despite scoring 11 more runs on the year than the opposition.
The Blaze have nary a moment to consider their misfortunes, as the series continues with a 10:35am start on Wednesday in Rancho Cucamonga once again. Anthony Misiewicz gets the starting nod, and fans can listen to the action live at BakersfieldBlaze.com and via TuneIn Radio - Dan Besbris has the call.
California League Stories from May 4, 2016
- Quakes Overcome 6-Run Deficit in Wednesday's Win over Blaze - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- San Jose Giants Homestand Preview: May 6 - May 8 - San Jose Giants
- Blaze Suffer Eighth Blown Save, Lose 7-6 - Bakersfield Blaze
- Quakes Stun Blaze with 9th-Inning Win - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Gonzalez Homers Late to Help 'Hawks Even Series - Lancaster JetHawks
- Castellani Twirls First Shutout of the Year - Modesto Nuts
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