Crabbe Dominates Quakes in Finale, 8-1
Published on July 17, 2012 under California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
In front of a raucous Dollar Monday crowd, the Bakersfield Blaze rode the dominant right arm of Tim Crabbe to a cruising 8-1 win over the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, taking the series and heading on the road with a win.
The game began as a pitchers' duel, but rapidly became a one-man show. Crabbe (W, 1-0), making his first start since returning from double-A Pensacola, was nearly untouchable. The righty, who had struggled with his control at the higher levels, suffered no such problem back with Bakersfield -- Crabbe ended the night going 8.0 innings, allowing just 1 run on 3 hits, striking out 6 and walking only 1. The 8-inning start matched the longest for any Blaze pitcher this season, and the top-notch control was, perhaps, the best news of all for the young Tucson, Arizona product.
On the other side, Angel Sanchez (L, 6-7) threw well for 4 innings, allowing only Steve Selsky's 7th homer of the year, a solo shot, in the 2nd inning, but started to run out of gas in the 5th. A single to lead off the inning by Juan Duran was followed by a Niko Vasquez triple, scoring Duran to give the Blaze a lead they would not relinquish. Later in the frame, Vasquez scored on a grounder, and the Blaze led, 3-1.
Then, after Sanchez worked out of the 5th, Angel came back out for the 6th and allowed the first 2 runners to reach. Quakes manager Juan Bustabad had seen enough, and he went to his long relief specialist, Jordan Roberts. Tonight, however, Roberts was not the answer. The lefty allowed a triple, a double, and a single to the first 3 batters he faced, and with another run-scoring grounder later in the frame, the Blaze quickly plated 4 runs, led 7-1, and the Quakes all but threw in the towel.
Crabbe continued to sail along while the Blaze added one more run in the 7th, and Brooks Pinckard tossed the 9th inning to finish it off, the final score, 8-1.
The victory was the 6th in the last 7 games for Bakersfield, and the win moves the team a game closer to Visalia in the second half North, as well as back to 11-12 in the second half and 53-42 overall.
The Blaze now head on the road for a week, beginning with 3 in windy Adelanto. Tanner Robles gets the call for Bakersfield, with High Desert's starter to be determined. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05pm.
Listen to Dan Besbris call all the action live 10 minutes prior to first pitch on the internet home of all Blaze games this year, BakersfieldBlaze.com!
California League Stories from July 17, 2012
- Blaze Stymied in High Desert, Drop Opener 4-2 - Bakersfield Blaze
- Storm Lose Late, Defeated 5-4 - Lake Elsinore Storm
- San Jose Giants on Deck: Giants Travel to Lancaster for Three-Game Series - San Jose Giants
- Errant Throw Ends Duel in Extras - Lancaster JetHawks
- Giants Pitching Shines in 5-1 Win - San Jose Giants
- Crabbe Dominates Quakes in Finale, 8-1 - Bakersfield Blaze
- Haren Finishes Five, 66ers Win 5-4 - Inland Empire 66ers
- Quakes Return Home After 1-2 Road Trip - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
