Blaze Suffer Injuries, Strikeouts in 10-2 Loss
August 5, 2015 - California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
The Bakersfield Blaze had their three-game winning streak snapped but also may have lost two key players as the Lancaster Jethawks grabbed game two of the three-game series, 10-2, on Tuesday night in the Antelope Valley.
The loss stings, but the potential loss of Tim Lopes and Nick Valenza stings harder.
As the Jethawks ran away with the game early against Tyler Pike (L, 2-5), who allowed eight runs on 10 hits in just 4.0 innings, the attention turned to the result of a massive collision on th field and an awkward landing on a pitch in the 7th.
For Lopes, the injury was clear. In a race to first base on a slow roller to the right side of the infield, Lopes attempted to cover the bag, and while bare-handing the throw from Kyle Petty, Jethawks catcher and batter at the time Jamie Ritchie smashed helmet-first into a side-stepping Lopes sending both men to the dirt for a multiple-minute delay.
Later, with the game seemingly decided, Nick Valenza was working in relief and after inducing a groundout, came up limping. He was removed from the game and put minimal pressure on his leg.
Offensively, the Blaze were held in check by fireballing 19-year old Francis Martes (W, 1-1), who fanned 10 batters in 6.1 innings of work, hitting as high as 97-mph on the stadium gun in the process.
Nelson Ward was the lone bright spot, collecting multiple hits and two RBI in the contest which was decided fairly early. While the Blaze scored just two runs on Ward's singles, the Jethawks hit three homers and pounded out 14 hits.
The Blaze can still win the series with a victory on Wednesday behind Brett Ash. It's another 6:30pm start time, and fans can tune in on BakersfieldBlaze.com and TuneIn Radio as Dan Besbris has the call.
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California League Stories from August 5, 2015
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- Bakersfield Blaze Homestand Preview August 6-9 - Bakersfield Blaze
- Weaver Starts, Adams Finishes in Marathon Win - Inland Empire 66ers
- Blaze Suffer Injuries, Strikeouts in 10-2 Loss - Bakersfield Blaze
- Seventh-Inning Rally Propels Giants to 3-2 Win - San Jose Giants
- Wild Pitch Costs Ports in 4-1 Loss - Stockton Ports
- Martes Strikes out 10 to End Five-Game Skid - Lancaster JetHawks
- Nuts Cannot Hold Lead in 3-2 Loss - Modesto Nuts
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