Bullpen Blows Lead Late in 4-3 Loss to Lake Elsinore
June 18, 2016 - California League (CalL1)
Visalia Rawhide News Release
The Lake Elsinore Storm (31-37) scored two runs in the eighth and capped off the come-from-behind win with a tally in the ninth to hand Visalia (45-23) their second straight loss 4-3 at Recreation Ballpark on Friday night.
The Storm brought home a run in the top of the first against RHP Brad Keller on back-to-back singles and a CF Franchy Cordero double play ball to make it 1-0 after only half an inning.
For Keller, coming off back-to-back wins, this was his only blemish of the night. He finished with seven innings pitched and allowed one run (earned) on four hits, two walks and five strikeouts. Keller departed in line for the win with Visalia leading 3-1.
The Rawhide scored twice in the bottom of the first When LF Chuck Taylor walked to begin the inning. SS Domingo Leyba extended his hitting streak to 11 games with a single and then 3B Marty Herum hit a fielder's choice ball that saw Taylor go to third and Leyba put out at second. 1B Rudy Flores picked up his 50th RBI with a single that tied the game and then DH Henry Castillo doubled home his 32nd RBI and Visalia had grabbed the lead at 2-1.
After the first inning each pitcher, Keller and RHP Walker Lockett for Lake Elsinore settled into a rhythm and each pitched seven innings.
In the bottom of the seventh, which proved to be Lockett's final frame, Visalia scored their third run of the ballgame. CF Colin Bray walked to begin the inning. Two batters later with Bray at second base, Herum knocked in Bray with a single that pushed the lead to 3-1 Visalia.
Lockett, in his seven innings of work, gave up three runs (earned) on eight hits, two walks and he struck out a season-high eight batters.
LHP Gabriel Moya entered in the eighth and after striking out the first two hitters was dinged for a two-run home run by 3B Josh VanMeter that tied the game at 3-3. Mfoya pitched one inning, giving up one hit, two runs (earned), with a walk and he struck out three.
RHP Phil Maton (1-0, 1.42) pitched the final two innings for Lake Elsinore and allowed no runs, one walk and he struck out one, earning the win.
RHP Cameron Gann (1-1, 1.93) pitched the ninth inning for Visalia and took the loss after giving up a one-out walk and a single to out runners on first and third. SS Javier Guerra hit a line drive sacrifice fly that scored RF Luis Tejada from third for the 4-3 lead.
The Rawhide continue the series tomorrow night from Rawhide Ballpark against Lake Elsinore and making the start will be RHP Ethan Elias (4-3, 5.25) for Visalia against RHP Chris Huffman (6-2, 2.005) for Lake Elsinore.
California League Stories from June 18, 2016
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- Quakes Cruise Past Giants, 8-2 - San Jose Giants
- Bullpen Blows Lead Late in 4-3 Loss to Lake Elsinore - Visalia Rawhide
- Quakes Fall in Extras, Face 1st-Half Elimination Saturday - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Jebavy's 11th Inning Hit Gives Giants Walk-Off Win - San Jose Giants
- Bullpen Blows Lead Late in 4-3 Loss to Lake Elsinore - Visalia Rawhide
- Steady Mavs Attack Sinks Ports 11-1 - Stockton Ports
- Ninth-Inning Comeback Falls One Run Shy - Modesto Nuts
- Bakersfield goes up 10-1 and hangs on for second straight win over Lancaster - Lancaster JetHawks
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