Bullpen Dooms Blaze Again
Published on April 16, 2016 under California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
If ever there was a real-life version of Bill Murray's Groundhog Day, the Bakersfield Blaze might be living in it.
For the second consecutive night, the Blaze took a lead late into the game only to see it disappear into the dark skies of Visalia.
The Rawhide were able showcase their resolve that has been on display early this season by scoring a run in the 8th inning and then another in the 9th before winning it in walk-off fashion yet again, 5-4.
Although the ending was basically the same, how the two teams got to the extra innings affair was slightly different.
For the second time in two starts this year, Tyler Pike left the contest leading and with a chance to get a victory. Unfortunately for Pike and Bakersfield, the bullpen couldn't hold up their end of the deal.
Henry Castillo got the game tied in the 9th inning with a solo blast to deep right field off of Isaac Sanchez and Dawel Lugo hit a sacrifice fly to center field in the 11th inning allowing Domingo Lugo to score after he had walked earlier in the frame.
Bakersfield has lost five straight to Visalia, four by just one run.
Things looked great for Blaze in the 4th inning when they tagged starting pitcher Brad Keller with 4 runs on 5 hits, but that was the last serious threat by Bakersfield hitters.
Outside of their records, the biggest difference between the two clubs has been the relief. Friday night was no different as Visalia used the power of Nick Baker, Austin Wright, and Zac Curtis (W, 1-0) to handcuff the Blaze batters. At one point, Rawhide pitching retired 10 consecutive hitters before Brock Hebert's bunt single in the 8th.
In 6 innings of relief work, the Rawhide pen surrendered a measly three hits, issued two walks, and struck out 11 batters.
Pike did all he could prior to watching things unfold from the bench. The southpaw was excellent with his control by locating with his fastball and off-speed pitches. He last 6.2 innings, scattering 7 hits, giving up 2 earned runs, striking out 4, and walking a single hitter.
Isaac Sanchez could not hold the lead in the 9th inning and Ronald Dominguez (L, 0-2) suffered the loss as he pitched into the 11th.
Kyle Petty was 3-5 with a run scored and Chantz Mack went 1-3 with 2 RBI.
At 2-6 this year, Bakersfield has now fallen to a mind-boggling 2-5 in one-run games with 5 blown save opportunities.
The Blaze and Rawhide continue their four-game series Saturday night in Visalia; first pitch is scheduled for 7:00pm. David Gascon will have the call on TuneIn Radio and BakersfieldBlaze.com.
California League Stories from April 16, 2016
- JetHawks defeat Mavericks, 3-2 - Lancaster JetHawks
- Sborz Pitches Well, Quakes Blanked on Saturday - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Dawel Lugo Wins It for Visalia with Sacrifice Fly in the 11th - Visalia Rawhide
- Ports Outlast Nuts 12-10 in 17-Inning Thriller - Stockton Ports
- Bullpen Dooms Blaze Again - Bakersfield Blaze
- Nuts Fall in Marathon 12-10 Loss - Modesto Nuts
- Giants Fall to Inland Empire, 4-2 - San Jose Giants
- Five Straight Wins - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Deetz Dazzles As Jethawks Edge Mavs - Lancaster JetHawks
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