Longest 9-Inning Game of the Year Goes to Visitors, 10-7
May 30, 2016 - California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
Lukas Schiraldi's first couple of outings with the Bakersfield Blaze have not gone quite according to plan, and on Sunday night at Sam Lynn Ballpark, the big Texan was unable to escape the 1st in a marathon contest that resulted in a 10-7 loss to the Inland Empire 66ers.
Tim Arakawa led the game off with a triple for the Inland Empire 66ers and that got the road team off to the races early. Arakawa's hit was one of six in the opening frame for a Sixers team that put up 6 runs in the inning, their most in a frame all year.
Schiraldi (L, 0-2) suffered his second defeat in as many starts with the Blaze, but this was his short stint in 2016. The right-hander didn't make it out of the first inning as he was charged with six runs in 2/3 of an inning.
Bakersfield made things interesting with several comeback attempts early and late in the game, thanks in part to a bullpen that handled working 8.1 innings with a relative sense of calm, but they eventually fell a couple runs short in the end. The bright spots on the pitching side belonged to Jake Zokan and Kody Kerski, who combined to work 5.2 innings of relief, and give up just a single run.
Neither starting pitcher lasted long as Jake Jewell was chased after three ineffective innings of work. The righty gave up three runs on seven hits, as he still remains winless on the season (0-5).
With plenty of outs to spare, the Blaze cut lead to 9-5 in the fourth after Kyle Petty hit a sac fly to score Brock Hebert. The home team inched closer in the eighth when Tim Arakawa's throw near the second base bags was in the dirt at first. The throw got past Jeff Boehm as it allowed Kyle Petty and Chantz Mack to score.
Both teams had chances throughout to bust the game wide open, but it was the 66ers that capitalized the most on their opportunities.
Inland Empire sprayed the field with 17 hits as Wade Wass' solo homer in the ninth was the final nail in the coffin.
Bakersfield had 10 batters walk on the night and pounded out 11 hits, and stranded 14 runners, a season high.
The victory goes to Dixon Llorens (W, 3-1), who worked 2.2 innings of relief for the visitors.
The series and homestand wrap up in a high noon contest on Memorial Day. Gates open at 11am, and the Blaze are offering free admission to current and past military, plus one dollar hot dogs, sodas and beer through the end of the 4th inning.
The contest will also be broadcast list on BakersfieldBlaze.com and TuneIn Radio. Dan Besbris has the call.
California League Stories from May 30, 2016
- Giants Shutout Nuts Behind Coonrod's Masterpiece - San Jose Giants
- Six-Run Sixth Lifts 'Hawks to Series Win - Lancaster JetHawks
- Storm Surge Early, Beat Ports 10-5 - Stockton Ports
- Defense Struggles, Castellani Doesn't in 3-0 Loss - Modesto Nuts
- Blaze Mount Monster Memorial Day Comeback, Win 8-7 - Bakersfield Blaze
- Sergio Romo Scheduled to Rehab Tuesday with San Jose - San Jose Giants
- Sixers Set Season-Highs in Runs, Hits in Win - Inland Empire 66ers
- Longest 9-Inning Game of the Year Goes to Visitors, 10-7 - Bakersfield Blaze
- Rawhide, Quakes Split Double Header, Series - Visalia Rawhide
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.
