Campbell, Bats Boost Blaze to 7-4 Win
April 22, 2016 - California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
Eddie Campbell settled in to dominate after a rocky beginning to his evening, the Bakersfield Blaze offense pounded out 11 hits, and the Lake Elsinore Storm's late comeback effort fell well short as the home team took the series opener on Throwback Thursday at Sam Lynn Ballpark, 7-4.
The game started somewhat poorly for the Blaze, who knew the task would be large against Big League lefty Christian Friedrich. The first two Storm banged out hits to plate a run, and before the seats were warm, Lake Elsinore led 1-0.
The Blaze were able to muster a single baserunner against Freidrich in the first two innings, and in the 3rd, top Padres prospect Javier Guerra slugged a two-run homer to put Bakersfield behind by three.
The Blaze came to life almost immediately after Campbell (W, 2-0) received a visit on the mound from his Pitching Coach Ethan Katz. Campbell proceeded to strike out three of the next four batters, and in the home half of the inning, Brock Hebert, Drew Jackson and Austin Wilson banged out three straight hits to score two and cut the deficit to just a run.
Two innings later, with Campbell still dealing, the Blaze tied it up, and then took the lead for good. With reliever Chris Huffman (L, 2-1) on the hill, Joe DeCarlo began the 5th with a double and was sacrificed to third. Brock Hebert walked, Drew Jackson singled in the tying run, Austin Wilson singled in the go-ahead run, and a double-steal gave Bakersfield a 5-3 lead.
In the 7th, the Storm inched closer against Aaron Brooks, but Jay Baum countered with a two-run homer in the 8th, his second of the year, giving the Blaze a safe three-run margin. Kyle Schepel (S, 1) finished it off for his first save of the year.
The win puts the Blaze in a good mood heading into TGI Friday, where the team will be giving out 1,000 Team Posters, and players will be on hand to sign autographs from 6:15-6:40pm.
Fans that can't make it out can listen to the game live on TuneIn Radio and BakersfieldBlaze.com. Dan Besbris has the call, with first pitch set for 7:15pm.
California League Stories from April 22, 2016
- San Jose Giants Make-Up Doubleheader Scheduled for May 31 - San Jose Giants
- Ports Approaching 6 Million Fans in Attendance - Stockton Ports
- Ports to Reward Six Millionth Fan in Attendance with 2016 Season Tickets - Stockton Ports
- 66ers Snap Skid, Carpenter Shines on Mound - Inland Empire 66ers
- Rawhide Drop Third Straight 7-6 in Opener to Quakes - Visalia Rawhide
- Suarez Sensational in 5-2 Giants Victory - San Jose Giants
- Quakes Back on Track with Win over Visalia - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Campbell, Bats Boost Blaze to 7-4 Win - Bakersfield Blaze
- Boyd, Tanielu Go Deep but JetHawks Drop Opener - Lancaster JetHawks
- Strong Arm Stops Nuts Bats in 5-2 Loss - Modesto Nuts
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