CalL1 Stockton Ports

Ports scorched by Blaze in 12-3 loss

Published on July 12, 2009 under California League (CalL1)
Stockton Ports News Release


STOCKTON, Calif.-The Bakersfield Blaze (44-44) got to the Stockton Ports (34-54) early and left the field with a 12-3 victory Sunday night at Banner Island Ballpark.

The Ports committed four errors in the contest and allowed 17 hits-tying a season high. The Ports struggled at the plate, striking out 13 times. Yusuf Carter performed well, going 2x4 with a double and a solo home run-his third homer in as many games. Frank Martinez also had a good evening offensively, finishing 3x4 with a double and an RBI. Ports starter Scott Hodsdon got the loss, allowing five runs (three earned) on six hits in 2.2 innings of work. The only Ports pitcher to not allow a run was Jason Ray, who tossed 1.2 innings in relief.

The Blaze pulled ahead to a 3-0 lead in the top of the second. Right fielder Joey Butler singled to get things rolling. Davis Stoneburner followed with an RBI double to left-center fielder. Stoneburner scored on an RBI single by catcher Elio Sarmiento. Matthew Lawson then walked, and center fielder Engel Beltre collected his lone RBI of the game with a single.

The Ports responded by adding two in the bottom half of the inning, but that was as close as they got to the Blaze in the game. Carter led off with a double. Center fielder Grant Desme followed him on base with a walk. Frank Martinez singled, allowing Carter to score, and advanced to second on an error by Joey Butler. Desme scored the second Stockton run as left fielder Todd Johnson grounded out.

The Ports scored their third and final run in the fourth inning on a solo shot by Carter. Only three Ports batters would reach base after his home run-two on hits, and on an error.

Bakersfield then proceeded to add two runs apiece in the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth innings.

In the third frame, second baseman Michael Richard committed two errors which allowed the batter to reach first, and one run to score. Mauro Gomez singled to lead off the inning, and left fielder Mike Bianucci flew out for the first out of the inning. Butler reached on an error, and Gomez scored on an RBI single by Stoneburner. Sarmiento flew out for the third out. Lawson then reached on an error, and Butler scored on the play.

In the fourth, a double by third baseman Jonathan Green scored the sixth Bakersfield run of the game, and a sacrifice fly by Mike Bianucci brought home their seventh run of the game.

In the fifth, Lawson scored on an RBI single by designated hitter Jacob Kaase, and Beltre scored on a wild pitch by pitcher Derrick Gordon. A two-RBI double by Sarmiento in the sixth inning put the Blaze ahead, 11-3.

The Blaze tacked on their final run of the contest in the ninth inning. Ian Gac, who replaced Greene as a pinch runner in the fifth and remained in the game to play first defensively, doubled. He scored the twelfth run on as Bianucci hit into a fielder's choice play.

The loss snapped the Ports' winning streak at four games, giving them a 9-9 record in the second half.

The series between the Ports and the Blaze will finish up at 7:05 p.m. on Monday at Banner Island Ballpark. LHP Ben Hornbeck (4-3, 3.95) will take the hill for the Ports while LHP Tim Murphy (6-6, 6.47) will start for Bakersfield.

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California League Stories from July 12, 2009


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