Offense Boosts Blaze in 7-1 Win
Published on July 6, 2015 under California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
A power outburst by the offense combined with a strong performance from a trio of pitchers carried the Bakersfield Blaze to a 7-1 victory over the Stockton Ports Sunday night at Sam Lynn Ballpark.
Guillermo Pimentel and Burt Reynolds blasted home runs and Brett Ash hurled 6.1 strong innings to help the Blaze even the three-game series and improve to 6-9 against Stockton this season.
Pimentel got things rolling early with an opposite-field poke over the right field fence that put Bakersfield up 1-0.
Two inning later Reynolds, who finished 3 for 4, lined a 1-1 offering from Ports starting pitcher Dylan Covey (L, 6-4) over the centerfield wall.
That was all the offense Ash (W, 4-5) and two Blaze relievers, Rafael Pineda and Carlos Misell, needed.
Making just his eighth start of the season Ash allowed one unearned run, on five hits. The 6-foot-2 right-hander issued two walks and fanned six.
Covey, a Cal League All-Star who came into the night ranked fourth in the league in ERA, surrendered five runs on eight hits.
The Blaze had a total of 11 hits, five of which were for extra bases. Along with the two home runs, Bakersfield smacked three doubles.
Justin Seager had a pair of two-baggers and drove in the final two runs on the game in the seventh inning with a hard hit ball the went to fence and landed him on second base.
Leading 3-0 after Reynolds third inning homer, the Blaze extended its lead to 5-0 in the fifth. Tim Lopes led off the frame with a bunt single and then Pimentel drew a walk, putting runners on first and second. Reynolds then reached on an error by Stockton third baseman Matt Chapman that scored Lopes. One bater later Austin Wilson plated another Blaze run with a sacrifice to right field.
Pineda was nearly flawless in 1.2 innings of work out of the bullpen, allowing just one hit and no runs.
Misell sealed the victory with a scoreless ninth, though he did give up a pair of singles.
The two teams return to action Tuesday night for the series finale. It is scheduled to be a battle of left-handers; Stockton's Matt Stalcup (1-0, 4.44) vs. Bakersfield's Eddie Campbell (3-4, 7.23). First pitch is slated for 7:45 p.m.
California League Stories from July 6, 2015
- Christian Arroyo Named California League Offensive Player of the Week - San Jose Giants
- Blaze Even Series as Ports Fall 7-1 - Stockton Ports
- Offense Boosts Blaze in 7-1 Win - Bakersfield Blaze
- Giants Earn 5-2 Victory over Rawhide - San Jose Giants
- Wade K's Eight in Nuts 5-4 Win - Modesto Nuts
- Early Rally Holds up against Storm - Lancaster JetHawks
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