Jackson & Pike Set Tone for Blaze in Barrage
May 18, 2016 - California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
A mediocre homestand forced the Bakersfield Blaze (15-23) to find new life on the road and on Tuesday night, things could not have gone any better. Drew Jackson (2-5, RBI, 2R) led the game off with a solo home run on the second pitch he saw, Tyler Pike (2-4) struck out eight batters, and the Blaze clubbed the High Desert Mavericks (26-13) to the tune of 12-2 in Game 1 of their series.
The offensive onslaught for the Blaze was more than they imagined, but one they desperately needed. Kyle Petty, Joe DeCarlo (2-4, 2RBI, 2R), and Austin Wilson (2-5, 2RBI, R) all hit two-run homers against a first place Mavericks team that was coming off of a four-game sweep of Visalia.
With the Blaze up 1-0 and Aaron Barbosa (2-4, 2R, RBI, BB) on base, Kyle Petty (3-5, HR, 2B, 2RBI, 2R) hit a towering ball to right field that carried over the wall to extend the Bakersfield lead to three. It was more than enough for Tyler Pike who rebounded nicely after a couple of rough outings to keep Mavs hitters off-balance all evening. Pike was able to locate inside and outside with his pitches as he scattered six hits and only surrendered two runs.
Eight of the nine Blaze batters recorded a hit and Kyle Petty was a triple short of the cycle. Collin Wiles (1-3) was the losing pitcher after giving up three runs, on five hits, in six innings for High Desert. The jolt of runs came uncharacteristically late in the game for the Blaze as they scored three in the 8th and five in the 9th inning as they managed 15 hits in the lopsided victory.
It's a quick turnaround for the two teams with Game 2 in this three-game series Wednesday morning at 10:35am. David Gascon will have the call on BakersfieldBlaze.com and TuneIn Radio.
California League Stories from May 18, 2016
- Giants Pull Away Late, Rout Ports 12-5 - Stockton Ports
- Giants Erupt Late in 12-5 Victory over Ports - San Jose Giants
- Late Rally Falls Short in 3-1 Loss - Modesto Nuts
- Jackson & Pike Set Tone for Blaze in Barrage - Bakersfield Blaze
- JetHawks Comeback Shoots Down Sixers - Inland Empire 66ers
- Newest JetHawk Caps Winning Rally - Lancaster JetHawks
- Quakes Take Storm in Extras - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
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