Most Exciting Game of the Year, Blaze Walk Off 8-7
Published on June 28, 2014 under California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
For the second time in a week, the Bakersfield Blaze ended their evening with a walkoff celebration, this time erasing a seven-run deficit for the season's largest comeback, and an eventual 8-7 victory over the Stockton Ports on Fireworks Friday at Sam Lynn Ballpark in Bakersfield.
The game began quite poorly for the Blaze, as Ismael Guillon wiggled through two innings of scoreless ball before suffering through one of the tougher frames of his career. In the 3rd, the Ports sent 10 batters to the plate, hit three homers, and scored seven times, ending Guillon's evening after just 2.2 innings.
Things only got worse in the 4th. Still trailing 7-0, Daniel Renken, the first man out of the pen, took a line drive off the arm, and the Blaze had to go back to the bullpen for a second time.
It was at that time that the momentum shifted. Mike Dennhardt entered, and over his first 8 batters, Mike collected 9 outs (a double play ball did the trick).
Meanwhile, the Blaze got off the mat. In the 5th inning, Bakersfield strung four hits together for two runs, with John Tolisano's double being followed by three straight singles from Brent Peterson, Yovan Gonzalez, and Beau Amaral.
The game remained locked at 7-2 until the late frames, as Dennhardt ended up going a remarkable 4.2 innings of relief, allowing just one baserunner.
In the 8th, with Michael Ynoa on the hill, the Blaze got the big hit that had eluded them for seven frames. Zach Vincej began the inning with a hit, and with one out, David Vidal singled and Sebastian Elizalde doubled home Vincej. A Juan Perez sacrifice fly brought the Blaze to within 7-4, and Tolisano followed with a majestic two-run homer, cutting the deficit to just one run.
Jimmy Moran (W, 4-4) followed with a scoreless 9th, turning the game back over to the offense, and the offense delivered.
Austin House (L, 0-3) had picked up the final out in the 8th, but the Blaze got to him quickly in the 9th. Gonzalez singled to start the frame, the hit his third of the night, and Julio Morillo singled to put two runners aboard. Vincej sacrificed, and Jeff Gelalich was intentionally walked to load the bases for Elizalde.
And, on a 1-2 fastball, Elizalde sliced a line drive into rightcenter, scoring Gonzalez and Morillo, and sending the Blaze to a wild 8-7 walkoff.
The win marked the largest come-from-behind victory for the Blaze this season, one-upping the previous mark of six. The win was also the fourth in five nights on the homestand, as the Blaze have bounced back from a slow start to the second half with a strong set at home. The Blaze move to 49-30 on the season, overall, as well.
The series with Stockton continues with another Game of the Week on Souvenir Saturday at Sam Lynn Ballpark. Jake Sanchez takes the hill for the Ports, and Daniel Wright goes for the Blaze in a 7:45pm start. Gates open at 6:45pm, and that number is key, as the first 1,000 fans in the park take home a very special Blaze red, white, and blue cap, courtesy of State Farm Agent Darlene Denison.
Can't make it out? Listen to every moment live on radio and internet, as Dan Besbris brings the call locally on SmartTalk AM-1230 and globally on BakersfieldBlaze.com and TuneIn Radio. Pregame show begins five minutes before first pitch.
California League Stories from June 28, 2014
- Galindo Perfect At The Plate In 7-5 Giants' Win - San Jose Giants
- Two Late Homers Doom Nuts in 8-5 Loss - Modesto Nuts
- Gregor Ties League-Best Hit Streak in Loss - Lancaster JetHawks
- One Big Inning Not Enough as Ports Fall 8-7 - Stockton Ports
- Jones' Slam Powers Giants to 8-3 Victory - San Jose Giants
- Quakes Improve to 8-1 in Second Half After Win over Sixers - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Most Exciting Game of the Year, Blaze Walk Off 8-7 - Bakersfield Blaze
- Nuts Club Six Extra Base Hits in 14-7 Win - Modesto Nuts
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.
