Offensive Woes Continue in 4-1 Loss
Published on April 22, 2012 under California League (CalL1)
San Jose Giants News Release
BAKERSFIELD - The San Jose Giants were held to three hits in a 4-1 loss to the Bakersfield Blaze on Saturday evening at Sam Lynn Ballpark. San Jose has managed just one run on eight hits over the last two games in the series and have now dropped three in a row for the first time this season.
Blaze starting pitcher Kyle Lotzkar (2-0) earned the win after limiting the Giants to a pair of hits over six scoreless innings. Lotzkar walked three and struck out five during his stint on the mound.
Bakersfield jumped out to a 1-0 lead with a single run in the bottom of the third inning against San Jose starter Shawn Sanford. Sanford had retired the first seven batters that he faced until Bryson Smith singled with one out in the third. With two outs, Billy Hamilton drew a walk and then Devin Lohman singled up the middle on an 0-2 pitch to bring home Smith with the first run of the night.
The Blaze extended their lead in the bottom of the fifth inning as Smith was hit by a pitch with one out before Tucker Barnhart stepped to the plate and belted a two-run homer to right. The home run was Barnhart's first of the year as Bakersfield built a 3-0 advantage.
The Giants' only two hits against Lotzkar were Andrew Susac's one-out single in the top of the first and Bobby Haney's leadoff double in the third. San Jose had a golden opportunity to strike first in the game as a Chris Lofton sacrifice bunt advanced Haney to third base with one out in the top of the third. However, after Ryan Lollis walked, Susac lined out to right and on the play, Blaze right fielder Stephen Hunt easily threw out Haney at the plate as the runner tagged-up and attempted to score.
The Giants finally broke through in the top of the eighth inning against reliever Daniel Wolford as Lofton drew a leadoff walk before Lollis doubled to deep right putting runners on second and third. Susac then brought home Lofton with a groundout to shortstop cutting the Bakersfield lead to 3-1. On the play, Lollis advanced to third, but remained there when Joe Panik lined out softly to shortstop. After Adam Duvall was hit by a pitch to put the potential tying run on base, Blaze closer Brian Pearl was summoned from the bullpen and he induced Luke Anders to foul out to third ending the inning.
Bakersfield immediately got the run back in the bottom of the eighth as Lohman led off with a solo homer to left against Seth Rosin.
In the top of the ninth, Jarrett Parker was hit by a pitch with one out. Parker then stole second and advanced to third when the throw bounced into shallow center for an error. However, Haney struck out swinging and Lofton grounded out to finish the game.
Pearl was credited with his third save of the year after holding the Giants scoreless over the last 1 1/3 innings.
Sanford (3-1) suffered the loss after yielding three runs (all earned) on three hits in five innings of work. He walked one and struck out one.
California League Stories from April 22, 2012
- Alaniz Throws Seven Strong But Storm Win in Ninth - Lancaster JetHawks
- Giants Suffer Four-Game Sweep at Bakersfield - San Jose Giants
- Maronde Delivers Quality Start But 66ers Fall 4-3 - Inland Empire 66ers
- Reed Dominates in 2-0 Win for Quakes - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Blaze Complete Sweep of San Jose - Bakersfield Blaze
- Offensive Woes Continue in 4-1 Loss - San Jose Giants
- Bakersfield earns 6th consecutive win - Bakersfield Blaze
- Donn Roach Dominates, 66ers Win 3-1 - Inland Empire 66ers
- Quakes Blast Rawhide on Saturday Night - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Lancaster Drops Third Straight in Lake Elsinore - Lancaster JetHawks
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