McMullen's Double Leads Comeback Win
Published on September 3, 2015 under California League (CalL1)
Lancaster JetHawks News Release
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - A two-out double by Sean McMullen in the top of the ninth inning proved to be the difference in a 5-4 comeback victory for the JetHawks over the Bakersfield Blaze on Wednesday night at Sam Lynn Ballpark.
McMullen's double off the center field wall came against Blaze (56-79) reliever Rafael Pineda (3-3) with runners on first and second and the JetHawks (73-62) trailing, 4-3.
With Bakersfield leading by two entering the inning, Alex Bregman was hit by a pitch and advanced to second on a two-out wild pitch. Ronnie Mitchell then delivered a RBI-single to left-center to bring Lancaster within one run. Bregman went 0-for-4 at the plate, ending his hitting streak at 16 games.
Tandem starter Christian Powell (3-2) received the win, holding Bakersfield to two runs (both unearned) on five hits over three innings.
The Blaze had opened the scoring in the bottom of the first on a RBI-single by Tyler O'Neill, who also added a sacrifice fly in the third inning against JetHawks starter Enrique Chavez for a 2-0 Bakersfield advantage.
Derek Fisher hit a RBI-single in the fifth to plate James Ramsay, who had doubled. Lancaster later tied the score at 2-2 in the top of the sixth inning on a Mott Hyde RBI-single off Aaron Brooks.
But with runners on first and second in the bottom of the sixth, Bakersfield's Chantz Mack hit a ground ball to third that J.D. Davis misplayed, allowing Austin Wilson to score the go-ahead run from second. Jay Baum followed with a RBI-single to score Kyle Petty, who had reached on a third-strike wild pitch, extending the Blaze lead to two runs.
After McMullen's go-ahead double in the top of the ninth, Bakersfield threatened in the bottom of the inning. Making his high-A debut, JetHawks reliever Steve Naemark issued a leadoff walk to Aaron Barbosa before getting Nelson Ward to ground into a fielder's choice. But Naemark yielded to Ryan Thompson, who threw one pitch to induce a game-ending double play from Tim Lopes.
First pitch for Thursday's rubber game is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. at Sam Lynn Ballpark. Keegan Yuhl (4-1, 1.80) will pitch for Lancaster opposite Bakersfield's Dan Altavilla (6-12, 4.08).
Don't miss a moment of exciting JetHawks action as they look to defend their 2014 California League title. Season tickets and other great ticket packages are on sale now. To order, call (661) 726-5400, or visit jethawks.com.
California League Stories from September 3, 2015
- McMullen's Double Leads Comeback Win - Lancaster JetHawks
- Stockton Falls 5-2, Magic Number Down to Two - Stockton Ports
- Giants Clinch Playoff Berth with 3-2 Walk-Off Win - San Jose Giants
- Mavericks Edge 66ers 5-4 in "Gallant" Effort - Inland Empire 66ers
- Blaze Shocked in 9th, Fall 5-4 - Bakersfield Blaze
- Nuts Fall 3-2 in Walk-Off Fashion - Modesto Nuts
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