Ports Pass The Blaze, 4-3
Published on June 30, 2011 under California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
The Blaze fell behind early and mounted a valiant comeback, but for the second straight night, the Ports squeak out the win, 4-3. The game started inauspiciously for the Blaze, with J.C. Sulbaran (L, 4-2) struggling with his command and being forced to exit after just 3.2 innings. Sulbaran walked 4 while trying to find his change-up, and Stockton, as is their habit, cashed in 2 of the 4 walks. However, the Blaze pen kept the game close.
Tzu Kai Chiu, Drew Bowman, and Doug Salinas combined to shut down Stockton over the final 4.1 innings, and gave the Blaze a chance. On the other side, Triple-A rehabber James Simmons went 3.1 innings of shutout ball to begin the game. He was followed by Scott Deal (W, 4-1), who allowed a single run over 3.0 innings of relief, and Mike Benacka, who allowed another run in the 7th.
The Blaze had their chance in the 8th - trailing 4-2, the Ports infield made back-to-back mistakes to put runners on 1st and 3rd with nobody out. But a pickoff play stymied the rally, the Blaze would settle for 1 run in the frame, and Andrew Carignan (S, 5) pitched a flawless 9th for his 5th save in 5 chances.
The Blaze head home for 3 action-packed games with the 66ers at Sam Lynn Ballpark. Tomorrow's game begins at 7:45pm, with pregame show on BakersfieldBlaze.com live at 7:35.
California League Stories from June 30, 2011
- Ports Pass The Blaze, 4-3 - Bakersfield Blaze
- San Jose Giants Independence Day Celebration Highlights Homestand - San Jose Giants
- Giants Split Doubleheader With Modesto - San Jose Giants
- Big Inning Sinks Lancaster - Lancaster JetHawks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
