Petty Finishes Nuts
August 8, 2015 - California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
In what may very well have been the most exciting game of the 2015 season, the Bakersfield Blaze and Modesto Nuts played to a 2-2 tie into the 9th, and with two runners aboard and one out in the home half, Kyle Petty slugged a missile over the wall for a three-run walk-off shot, and the Blaze won their sixth game in seven nights on ScholarShare's Fireworks Friday at Sam Lynn Ballpark in Bakersfield.
The game wasn't tied for lack of chances. The Blaze stranded 11 baserunners through the game's first eight innings, but came up with the key run when they needed it.
Getting to that point was entertaining, as well.
In the top of the 1st, some sloppy defense helped Modesto to a 2-0 lead on Scott DeCecco. But the New Jersey native settled in and ended up allowing just those two unearned runs over eight fantastic innings. DeCecco struck out eight Nuts batters and walked just one while pitching effectively to both sides of the plate in his best start of the year.
Meanwhile, Rockies 1st-round pick Kyle Freeland was impressive in his five innings. Consistently hitting 95 on the radar gun from the left side, Freeland allowed two runs (one earned), and left the contest with the game tied at two.
For Bakersfield, the two runs came in the 3rd inning. Nelson Ward continued his hot run with a single, and Tim Lopes, playing in his first game since a nasty collision in Lancaster on Tuesday, doubled him in. An error and groundout later, Austin Wilson collected the RBI and Lopes came in.
Lopes ended up reaching base all five times tonight, and his double in the 9th began the game-winning rally off Devin Burke (L, 2-2). O'Neill was intentionally walked before Petty's shot ended it. Carlos Misell (W, 4-6) worked a scoreless top of the 9th to collect the win.
The victory has propelled the Blaze to a bonafide hot streak, as the team has now won six out of seven, and posted its second three-game win streak over that same haul.
The club will look to make it four straight in a battle of the aces on Saturday night as Dan Altavilla takes on Antonio Senzatela, two of the top hurlers in the league. It's also Derek Carr BCHS Jersey Giveaway Night, with the first 1,000 fans taking home a replica football jersey. Fans are encouraged to arrive early, with gates opening at 6:30pm and first pitch an hour later.
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California League Stories from August 8, 2015
- Bats and Bullpen Help 66ers Bounce Back - Inland Empire 66ers
- Quakes Take Early Lead, Beat Ports 9-6 - Stockton Ports
- More Extra-Inning Heartbreak as Giants Fall in 13 - San Jose Giants
- Petty Finishes Nuts - Bakersfield Blaze
- Ninth-Inning Power Stings Nuts in 5-2 Loss - Modesto Nuts
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