Nuts Come from Behind on Blaze
Published on July 8, 2014 under California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
The Modesto Nuts had the last laugh on Monday evening in Bakersfield, racing out to an early lead, surrendering it, then coming from behind in the 9th to topple the Bakersfield Blaze and end Bakersfield's seven game win streak in a dramatic 9-8 final.
With scheduled starter Mikey O'Brien called to Triple-A to make a start for Louisville, the Blaze were forced to piecemeal this contest with arms from the pen, and the home team darn near pulled it off.
Jimmy Moran, making the first start of his professional career, was, perhaps, a little overamped, and got banged around in the 1st to the tune of five runs, but settled down to toss two more scoreless frames thereafter.
Juan Perez smacked a solo homer off Nuts starter Ben Alsup in the 2nd, and the Nuts led 5-1 going into the middle innings.
Jacob Johnson took over for the Blaze as the next arm, and while Johnson was on the hill, the Blaze took advantage of some Modesto mistakes for a seven run 5th inning.
In all, Bakersfield sent 10 men to the plate in the 5th, ending the highlight reel inning with back-to-back-to-back homers from Jeff Gelalich, Sean Buckley and Sebastian Elizalde, and taking an 8-5 lead.
But the Nuts worked back into it with a two-run homer in the 6th off Johnson.
Bakersfield was unable to provide any insurance, and though they were able to hang on for the win on Sunday, the lack of available bullpen arms may have been too much to overcome on Monday. Ryan Kemp worked 1.2 frames, and James Allen (L, 3-5) got the final out in the 8th before taking the defeat in the 9th.
The Blaze were within one out of winning the ballgame, but Modesto refused to quit. A single and a homer later, the Nuts took the lead, 9-8, and Ryan Gonzalez (S, 6) finished the job with a spotless bottom of the 9th. John Keck (W, 1-2) got the win, pitching the 8th.
The loss snaps Bakersfield's season high-tying seven game win streak, and drop the club back to a still-solid 11-7 in the second half and 56-32 on the season as a whole. The Blaze continue to hold the best record in the North by 6.0 games over Stockton.
With a strong homestand in the rear view, winning 3 of 4, the Blaze hit the road for a week in San Jose and Modesto.
The road trip begins with a 7:05pm contest by the Bay, with Joe Biagini taking the hill for the Giants, and Ismael Guillon for the Blaze. Make sure to listen to every exciting moment of Blaze baseball while the team is away from home. Dan Besbris has the call on the internet at BakersfieldBlaze.com and TuneIn Radio, with pregame show set to begin five minutes before first pitch.
California League Stories from July 8, 2014
- San Jose Giants on Deck: Giants Continue Homestand against Bakersfield - San Jose Giants
- Nunez Nails Two Homers as Ports Blank Giants 7-0 - Stockton Ports
- Nuts Come from Behind on Blaze - Bakersfield Blaze
- Ribera Saves Nuts; Snaps Streak in 9-8 Win - Modesto Nuts
- Ports Shutout Giants in Series Finale - San Jose Giants
- Hernandez Falls Short of Cycle in Loss - Lancaster JetHawks
- Quakes Take Three of Four from Lancaster with Monday's Win - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
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