Cordero's Thunder Propels Storm
May 21, 2016 - California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
Two runs were scored in the first five innings of play before the Blaze and Storm got the offenses in a groove.
Franchy Cordero (2-3, 2RBI, BB) hit a solo home run in the bottom of the eighth inning and Lake Elsinore (19-23) defeated Bakersfield (17-24), 5-4.
The Blaze were given numerous opportunities to bust the game wide open, but they were unable to capitalize on four Storm errors.
Coming off the 7-day disabled list, Ben Paullus picked up his first win of the season and Colby Blueberg continued his strong start to the year by earning his seventh save in as many chances.
The loss snaps Bakersfield's three-game winning streak, but it wasn't without a valiant effort.
The Blaze were guilty of grounding into three double-play's in the first four innings of play and that allowed Dinelson Lamet to escape any further damage. The highly regarded right-hander was not at his best, but he was effective.
Kyle Petty (1-3, BB) hit a solo blast to deep left field for his fifth of the campaign, but he had a chance to do more.
In the ninth inning with Jay Baum (2-5, R) reaching first on an error, Petty hit a fly ball to nearly the deepest park of Pete Lehr Field. Petty's drive was caught just in front of the warning track and then Chantz Mack (0-4, RBI) fouled out to end the game.
Bakersfield left 10 runners on base and they were just 2 for 9 with runners in scoring position.
Vinny Nittoli suffered his first defeat of the season, but he also added to the blown save figures for the Blaze.
Bakersfield's relief has been anything but that.
In 17 opportunities, the Blaze have managed to close seven of those games. An alarming number that has caused them to look up at the standings in the North Division of Cal League as opposed to down.
Game 2 of this series is Saturday night at 6:00pm. David Gascon will have the call on TuneIn Radio and BakersfieldBlaze.com.
California League Stories from May 21, 2016
- Nuts Surrender Late Lead in 5-4 Loss - Modesto Nuts
- Giants Fall to Quakes, Win Streak Snapped at Four - San Jose Giants
- Quakes Use the Force on Star Wars Night - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Sixers' Late Runs Crack Nuts 4-2 - Inland Empire 66ers
- Early Homers, Stellar Defense Lift Giants Past Quakes - San Jose Giants
- Cordero's Thunder Propels Storm - Bakersfield Blaze
- Gossett Masterful as Ports Blank 'Hide 7-0 - Stockton Ports
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