Mack Attack; Chantz Clubs Two, Blaze Win 9-6
August 26, 2015 - California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
Chantz Mack went bonkers early, and the Bakersfield Blaze out-hit the Visalia Rawhide in a Tuesday night homer-fest at Sam Lynn Ballpark, grabbing game two of the four-game series, 9-6.
Ryan Yarbrough (W, 3-7) got the start for the Blaze, and the big lefty, making his third appearance since returning from a groin injury battled through five innings against a tough Visalia lineup, allowing just two runs while scattering seven hits.
Meanwhile, the Blaze picked on a former Mariners farmhand in Brett Shankin (L, 0-2), batting around in the 1st and 3rd innings while taking an 8-0 lead. The attack was led by Chantz Mack, who hit a two-run homer in the 1st and a solo blast in the 2nd. Mack added an RBI single in the 7th inning, as well.
Leading 4-0 in the 3rd, the Blaze blew it open. Two walks, two singles, and a Jay Baum two-run homer, and the Blaze knocked Shankin from the game and led 8-0.
But the hot-hitting Rawhide were not quick to give up. Visalia got two off Yarbrough and added another three off former Rawhide Kyle Schepel in the 7th. But Mack's key hit in the home half of the inning provided the Blaze with a late sliver of momentum, and the club turned a four-run lead over to Emilio Pagan.
After an easy 8th, Pagan had to pitch around three baserunners in the 9th, giving up one run but hanging on for the hard-fought victory that took nearly four hours.
The series with Visalia still has two left, with games on Wednesday and Thursday night at Sam Lynn Ballpark.
On Wednesday, it's Alianza's Nonprofit Night, and fans are encouraged to bring e-waste to the park to get in for free. Gates open at 6:15pm and first pitch is one hour later. Brett Ash gets the call for the Blaze in game three.
The Battle for 99 continues on Wednesday night, as well, and the Blaze will be offering 99 cent beer (99 Golden Ale) for 99 minutes after gates open.
Can't make it out to enjoy the ultra-cheap brews? Confound it! You can still listen to the broadcast live online at BakersfieldBlaze.com or via the TuneIn Radio app. Dan Besbris has the call.
California League Stories from August 26, 2015
- Nuts Suffer 5-2 Defeat against the Storm - Modesto Nuts
- Mavs Surge Late, Down Ports 8-3 - Stockton Ports
- One Run Enough as Giants Shutout Sixers - San Jose Giants
- Mack Attack; Chantz Clubs Two, Blaze Win 9-6 - Bakersfield Blaze
- Nuts End Losing Streak in Style - Modesto Nuts
- Rally in Fourth Highlights Rout of Quakes - Lancaster JetHawks
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