O'Neill and Wilson Homer in 6-2 Victory
September 4, 2015 - California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
Tyler O'Neill hit his league-best 31st home run, Austin Wilson cranked his 10th, the Bakersfield Blaze mashed 13 hits and pulled away from the Lancaster Jethawks late for a series-winning win, 6-2, on Thursday night at Sam Lynn Ballpark in Bakersfield.
The Jethawks got the scoring started in this one, as Derek Fisher mashed a no-doubt two-run homer to right off Blaze starter Dan Altavilla.
From there, however, the ballgame was all Blaze. Altavilla settled down to strike out five batters in his 5.0 innings, allowing just those two 1st-inning runs in his final start of 2015.
And the offense came alive. Tyler O'Neill got Bakersfield on the board with his 31st homer of the year, a solo shot to begin the 4th inning off Lancaster starter Keegan Yuhl. The Blaze would go on to tie the game later in that same frame, as Austin Wilson singled, stole second and Kyle Petty brought him home.
Wilson and Petty posted big nights for the Blaze in the victory, combining to reach base in all eight of their plate appearances. Wilson came up just a triple short of the cycle, hitting his 10th homer of the season in the 6th.
The series with Lancaster has come to an end, but the homestand continues with the final four games of the season as the Blaze play host to the San Jose Giants from Friday through Monday afternoon.
The series opens with a KUZZ Fireworks Friday show. Large crowds are expected throughout the weekend, so fans are encouraged to get tickets in advance.
On the field, Tyler Pike takes the ball for the Blaze in the opener of the series, with first pitch at 7:15pm. Gates open at 6:15pm and fireworks will follow the final out.
Can't make it out? Don't set off your own fireworks at home. That's not safe. Instead, listen to them, and the Blaze game, too, as Dan Besbris has the call online at BakersfieldBlaze.com and via the TuneIn Radio app.
California League Stories from September 4, 2015
- Cal League Honors Umpire of the Year - CalL1
- San Jose Giants on Deck: Playoff Bound Giants Conclude Regular Season in Bakersfield - San Jose Giants
- Quakes Drop Road Finale, Home Friday - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- 'Hawks Fall Flat in Bakersfield Finale - Lancaster JetHawks
- 66ers Cap Home Schedule with Wild Win - Inland Empire 66ers
- O'Neill and Wilson Homer in 6-2 Victory - Bakersfield Blaze
- Nuts Fall 8-2; Eliminated from Playoff Contention - Modesto Nuts
- Ports Clinch Playoff Berth with 14-2 Victory - Stockton Ports
- Giants Complete Sweep of Nuts with 8-2 Victory - San Jose Giants
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