Don't Walk; Blaze Watch Another Celebration in 4-3 Defeat
July 21, 2015 - California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
The last ten road games for the Bakersfield Blaze have become almost surreal. On Monday night in Stockton, the Ports continued the nightmare, as Bakersfield lost in walkoff fashion for the fifth time in the last ten road games, 4-3, on the road in Stockton.
This heartbreaking loss involved a lost lead in the 8th, as the Blaze held a 3-2 advantage before Matt Chapman homered off Aaron Brooks (L, 0-2) to begin the inning, tying the game at three.
In the 9th, the Ports finally capitalized on a bases-loaded chance, with John Nogowski blooping a single into right field to score Tyler Marincov for the game-winner. Ben Bracewell (W, 4-2) got the victory for the Ports, working a scoreless top of the 9th.
For the Blaze, another tight ballgame went the wrong way. Brett Ash got the starting nod and fought through 4.1 innings before giving way with two runners aboard and two runs in. Kyle Schepel followed with 2.2 innings of scoreless relief.
Offensively, the Blaze scratched for a run on four singles in the 2nd inning off Ports starter Raul Alcantara, but a baserunner slipping in the dirt cost the team a chance at more.
Bakersfield took a 2-0 lead, briefly, in the 5th when Nelson Ward smashed his third homer of the season of Big Leaguer Taylor Thompson, with the Ports on a rehab assignment.
The third run for the Blaze, and the one that gave them a late lead, came in the 7th off Sam Bragg. Aaron Barbosa drew a leadoff walk, stole second and moved to third on an error. Barbosa would eventually score on a slow roller.
The loss is the third in a row for the Blaze on the current road trip and Banner Island Ballpark has become a bit of a house of horrors. After winning the first two games in this park, the Blaze have dropped eight in a row and will try to snap that streak in the season's final game at Banner Island on Tuesday night at 7:10pm. Eddie Campbell will go for the Blaze, and Dylan Covey gets the nod for the Ports.
California League Stories from July 21, 2015
- Giants Complete Sweep with 10-2 Rout of JetHawks - San Jose Giants
- JetHawks Swept in Four with Loss to Giants - Lancaster JetHawks
- Rawhide Homestand Preview: July 23-29 - Visalia Rawhide
- Wednesday, July 22 Added to 2015 High Desert Mavericks Schedule - High Desert Mavericks
- Nogowski's Walk-Off Hit Gives Ports 4-3 Victory - Stockton Ports
- Giants Continue Surge with 11-Inning Victory - San Jose Giants
- Visalia Pitching Overwhelms Quakes Again - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Don't Walk; Blaze Watch Another Celebration in 4-3 Defeat - Bakersfield Blaze
- Late Error Drops Nuts in 7-6 Loss - Modesto Nuts
- Lancaster Drops Extra-Inning Affair at Muni - Lancaster JetHawks
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