Petty Creates Chaos in Stockton

June 2, 2016 - California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release


It doesn't come often for Kyle Petty, but Tuesday was a rare day off for him and the rest of his teammates. The anchor of Bakersfield's lineup was lethal on Wednesday night doing everything he could to propel the Blaze (24-28) to a 6-4 victory over the Stockton Ports (20-32).

Perhaps recharged, Petty used his muscle to club a solo home run off of Brett Graves in the third inning and then he used his wheels for an infield single in the eighth to help his team win Game 1 of the three-game series.

While his sixth homer of the season left fans in awe, it was Petty's ability to beat out a throw from third baseman Melvin Mercedes that elevated the team. After Chantz Mack was retired, Austin Wilson drove a pitch from Corey Miller (L, 0-1) into left field for a base hit. Petty had no intention of staying at second base as he immediately raced his way to third with one out and Wilson advancing on the throw from leftfielder James Harris. With runners at second and third and one out, Daniel Torres was intentionally walked to load the bases for Joe DeCarlo. Facing Miller, DeCarlo wasted no time to drive the first pitch he saw to left field allowing Petty to score and break a 4-4 tie.

Joseph Rosa added an insurance run when he scored from third after a wild pitch from Lou Trivino to make it 6-4 in the ninth.

Kyle Schepel picked up his fifth save in sixth chances this season and the Blaze improved to 13-12 on the road this year.

The game had plenty of fireworks in the first inning as Bakersfield took an early 2-0 courtesy of Jay Baum and Mack. Baum singled in Aaron Barbosa after Barbosa walked with one out. Barbosa stole second then advanced to third on a throwing error by catcher Lolana Akau. Baum's single made it 1-0 before Mack singled home Baum to make it 2-0 in the first.

Stockton immediately responded by striking Tyler Herb with two runs off of three hits, but the right-hander settled down after the initial frame.

Herb gave way to Aaron Brooks (BS, 3) (W, 2-1) with one out in the seventh having struck out seven batters and walking two.

Akau chased Herb with a double off the right-center field wall before B.J. Boyd singled him home to tie the score at 4-4.

It was the 12th blown save for the Blaze this season in 24 opportunities, but they didn't let that keep them down. Petty finished the night going 2-5 with the home run and two runs scored.

Game 2 of the three-game series is on Thursday and first pitch is scheduled for 7:10pm. David Gascon will have the call on TuneIn Radio and BakersfieldBlaze.com.



California League Stories from June 2, 2016


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