Greene Keeps Bakersfield Streak Alive with Slam in Ninth
Published on July 25, 2011 under California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
The Blaze certainly have a flair for the dramatic, once again scoring the winning runs in the 9th inning, and then hanging on for a 7-6 win over the Ports for the team's ninth straight victory.
Once again, the Blaze struck first, collecting a first-inning run on a 2-out infield single, but tonight, the lead was short-lived. In the bottom of the first, Stockton's first four batters all reached base safely, 3 came around to score, and the Ports took a 3-1 lead after just an inning.
Both starters settled down thereafter. Bakersfield's Josh Ravin tossed scoreless 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th innings before surrendering 1 final run in the 6th. Stockton's Jacob Brown also went 6 innings, allowing only 1 additional run on Chris Richburg's 3rd homer of the series. And, after the Blaze bullpen had a little bit of a shaky time last night, tonight it was Stockton's turn. Mike Benacka walked 2 but escaped trouble in the 7th, and Josh Lansford allowed a run on 2 hits in the 8th - meanwhile, Drew Bowman (W, 3-2) tossed 2 scoreless innings of relief to keep the game close.
Heading into the 9th, the Ports led 4-3, but the Blaze immediately put the pressure on Stockton's lights-out closer Jose Guzman (L, 2-2). A leadoff single for Jordan Wideman, and a 1-out Didi Gregorius double put the tying and go-ahead runs in scoring position. The Ports elected to walk Ryan La Marre to load the bases for a potential force play, but the plan backfired when Brodie Greene slugged a grand slam home run to leftfield, his 10th shot of the season, and the Blaze led 7-4.
Stockton threatened in the bottom half, as Mitch LeVier clubbed a solo shot off Derrik Lutz (S, 1), and Dusty Coleman picked up an RBI single with 2 outs, but Lutz got Ryan Lipkin to ground into a force play, and the Blaze hung on for their 9th straight win.
The Blaze and Ports conclude the 3-game road series Monday night at 7:05pm - once again, the game will NOT be broadcast on Blaze Radio, so please stay tuned for updates!
California League Stories from July 25, 2011
- Blaze Sweep Weekly California League Awards - Bakersfield Blaze
- Late Run Lifts Storm Past JetHawks - Lancaster JetHawks
- Wing Hits Game Winner in the 9th - Inland Empire 66ers
- Greene Keeps Bakersfield Streak Alive with Slam in Ninth - Bakersfield Blaze
- Giants Sweep Doubleheader from Rawhide - San Jose Giants
- Grand Slam Sinks Ports - Stockton Ports
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.
