Busted Nuts Fall in Laugher
July 2, 2016 - California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
On a night that will not be forgotten any time soon, the Modesto Nuts (30-49) changed from the Advanced-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies into the Bad News Bears.
Carlos Polanco (L, 2-7) matched his shortest outing of the year by lasting just 0.2 of an inning and the Blaze (44-35) scored 9 unearned runs in the opening frame en route to a 16-7 beating of the Nuts.
Although Polanco suffered the defeat, he received no help from his defense as Modesto committed a season-high eight errors with four of them coming from second baseman Forrest Wall.
With Drew Jackson getting another night off to rest, the Bakersfield offense continued to move forward.
In the leadoff spot, Braden Bishop was 1-6 with an RBI and two runs scored, while Gianfranco Wawoe was 3-4 with 2 RBI, a walk, and two runs.
Bakersfield clubbed 14 hits in the game and it was highlighted in the ninth inning when Joe DeCarlo uncorked on Yoely Bello for a 3-run home run to left field making 16-7.
A recent call up from Everett, Gus Craig continues to make contributions at the plate. Craig was 2-6 on Friday night as the designated hitter drove in four runs. Since joining the team, Craig is hitting .348 with 4 2B, 4R, 7RBI, and a stolen base.
Polanco and the Nuts hope that this doesn't become a regular occurrence for either party because it has happened in back-to-back starts. The young right-hander left after just 0.2 of an inning in his previous start at Bakersfield during a 7-0 defeat on June 25th. In that affair Polanco surrendered 3 runs (1 earned), walked five, and hit a batter.
In the first game of July, Polanco was even worse.
In his worst start this year, Polanco gave up 8 unearned runs, walking three, and hitting two more batters.
The game had an eerily similar feeling to an encounter that the same two teams had back on April 12thin Bakersfield. Modesto won the contest 13-3, but five errors by the Blaze resulted in all 13 runs being unearned for the road team.
Omar Carrizales and Wall did make some positive history for Modesto as they hit back-to-back inside the park home runs in the third inning off of starter Eddie Campbell (W, 9-5).
Campbell didn't have his best stuff, but an early 9-run cushion allowed him pitch with confidence.
Bakersfield has now run their winning streak to four straight as they have also ripped off 15 of their last 16 on the road.
Game 3 is set for Saturday evening in Modesto. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05pm with David Gascon providing all the action on TuneIn Radio and BakersfieldBlaze.com.
California League Stories from July 2, 2016
- Jethawks Winning Streak Snapped At Five - Lancaster JetHawks
- High Desert Wins on Late Runs - Inland Empire 66ers
- Stockton's Late Push Falls Short in 7-5 Loss - Stockton Ports
- Six Run Seventh Gives San Jose 10-5 Win - Visalia Rawhide
- Busted Nuts Fall in Laugher - Bakersfield Blaze
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