DeCarlo's Spark Extinguishes Storm

May 23, 2016 - California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release


On several occasions, Bakersfield Blaze Manager Eddie Menchaca has said that it's just a matter of time before his team hits their stride. After Sunday's comeback victory in the 9th inning, that time could be now.

Joe DeCarlo hit a thunderous triple off the right-center field wall in the final frame and Jay Baum extended his hitting streak to 12 games with a double off the right field wall to help the Blaze (19-24) shock Lake Elsinore (19-25), 6-4.

Despite having numerous opportunities to put the game away early, Bakersfield did not panic despite blowing a 3-0 lead.

Tyler Pike wasn't a factor in the decision, but he was taxed after throwing a season-high 102 pitches in five innings. Pike surrendered two runs, on four hits, while walking three batters, and striking out three. The left-hander exited the game with a lead, but the Storm made sure it wouldn't stick

Down 3-2 in the bottom of the sixth inning, Lake Elsinore used a two-out rally to tie the game up. Trae Santos and Marcus Greene Jr. hit back-to-back doubles against Aaron Brooks to even things up. Brooks ran into more trouble in the seventh after walking Luis Urias to lead the inning off. The bases then became loaded after a single and a hit batter. This all set the table for leftfielder Luis Tejada. Tejada hit a weak ground ball to Gianfranco Wawoe at second base, but the throw to home plate from Wawoe was high for catcher Daniel Torres. The Storm claimed their first lead at 4-3 and it had them thinking that things would hold up with Jose Torres as the closer.

With the Blaze down a run and three outs to play with, Bakersfield showed some resolve.

DeCarlo's triple was just inches from clearing the fence, but Justin Seager's double into the gap got DeCarlo home one batter later. Wawoe tried to sacrifice bunt down the third baseline, but Josh VanMeter was able to field it and throw pinch runner, Aaron Barbosa out at third. After Drew Jackson walked, Chantz Mack came up and hit a bullet down the third base line that did not escape the infield. VanMeter was able to make a fantastic diving play to prevent an extra base hit, but Mack was still able to beat the throw.

Up next was Baum and with him came the drama.

Staring at an 0-3 day at that point and having fouled off several pitches, Baum socked an 0-2 fastball to deep right field as it sailed over the head of outfielder Franmil Reyes to make the score 6-4.

Kody Kerski pitched a flawless eighth and ninth inning to pick up his first win of the season and Bakersfield improved their record to 2-14 when trailing after eight innings.



California League Stories from May 23, 2016


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