Near No-No for Blaze Pitchers, Bako Cruises 10-0
April 23, 2016 - California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
The Bakersfield Blaze came within just four outs of posting the team's first no-hitter in over two decades, but an 8th inning Lake Elsinore Storm base hit turned this one into a more traditional laugher, and the Blaze pummeled the visitors from start to finish with a 10-0 finish.
Despite all the offensive numbers, the story on a cold, windy night was Blaze starter Andrew Moore (W, 1-1), who issued a two-out walk in the 2nd inning, and departed after seven innings without allowing a hit. Moore cruised throughout the contest, striking out three and forcing the Storm to put the ball in play with a relentless assault on the strike zone.
The no-hitter evaporated in the 8th. With Ryan Horstman on in relief, Ricardo Valenzuela poked a two-strike fastball into rightfield for the Storm's first hit, breaking up the no-no with just four outs to go. Horstman would subsequently finish off the 8th, and Ronald Dominguez pitched the 9th to close it out.
Meanwhile, the Blaze made mincemeat out of Storm starter Michael Kelly (L, 0-1), who, in addition to struggling, was a bit unlucky. Five of the first six batters Kelly faced reached base to start the ballgame, and by the time the Blaze hit the seven-hole in their lineup, the home team led 2-0. Two batters later, with the bases loaded, Lake Elsinore rightfielder Franmil Reyes misplayed a ball in gusting winds that landed for a bases-clearing double and the Blaze were gifted a 5-0 lead.
Five would not be enough. Two innings later, Bakersfield ended the night for Kelly by batting around and scoring an additional five-spot.
The Blaze would not score the rest of the ballgame, though the club stranded another eight baserunners. In all, the Blaze pounded out 14 hits, including two doubles apiece for Austin Wilson, Kyle Petty and Daniel Torres, who reached base four times in the drubbing.
The Blaze will look to take three straight on Fireworks Saturday. Fans are encouraged to stay until the conclusion to enjoy the season's first pyrotechnics show (the first scheduled show was rained out). First pitch is scheduled for 7:15pm.
The broadcast will be available on TuneIn Radio and at BakersfieldBlaze.com. Dan Besbris has the call.
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California League Stories from April 23, 2016
- A Grand 12-9 Win for the Nuts - Modesto Nuts
- Four-Run Ninth Leads Nuts to 4-1 Win - Modesto Nuts
- Nuts' Ninth-Inning Rally Sinks Giants - San Jose Giants
- Big Eighth Spoils Jethawks Comeback Attempt - Lancaster JetHawks
- Near No-No for Blaze Pitchers, Bako Cruises 10-0 - Bakersfield Blaze
- Castillo Gives Visalia the Win with Home Run in the Ninth - Visalia Rawhide
- Ports Rally to Down Sixers 3-2 - Inland Empire 66ers
- Quakes Lose Late Lead, Fall to Visalia - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
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