Rancho Pushes First, Opens Series with 5-2 Win
Published on May 31, 2013 under California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
The Bakersfield Blaze appeared just one step slower than the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes in the opener of a four game series, and after falling behind early, could not come back, and dropped the contest 5-2 on Thursday night in Bakersfield.
Local product Jarret Martin (W, 3-5) got the start for the Quakes, and delivered a fine performance. After working out of a two-on, two-out jam in the 1st inning, Martin put together two strong innings.
At that point, he had a lead, and Martin and the Quakes would not relinquish it. Mike Dennhardt (L, 2-4) got the start for the Blaze, and showed a great deal of grit. Mike got off to a bit of a rocky start, allowing seven hits through the first three innings while falling behind, 3-0, but bounced back from there to deliver two more scoreless frames.
Unfortunately, on this evening, it was not enough, as the Blaze bats could never quite get in gear. The Blaze did put up a two-run rally in the 4th for their only runs, when Juan Duran walked, Dominic D'Anna doubled him home, and Yovan Gonzalez singled in D'Anna, but the team was blanked from that point forward.
Martin ultimately went six strong innings for the win, striking out eight, and JonMichael Redding and Eric Eadington (S, 1) followed with three additional quiet frames.
The Quakes added a pair of late runs to make life easier on the visitors, as well, with the club wiggling a run across in the 6th off Kyle Lotzkar and another in the 8th off Pat Doyle.
The loss drops the Blaze back to 15 under the 500-mark, and moves Rancho back to within a game of break even.
The series with the Quakes continues Friday night at 7:30pm on Fireworks Friday. The game is expected to sell out, and Dodgers All-Star Hanley Ramirez is expected to make a rehab appearance with the Quakes, as well. Just a handful of tickets remain, and those looking ahead can get their seats online in advance. Gates open at 6:30pm.
Can't make it? Listen to the Blaze Friday Night Game of the Week live on radio and internet, as Dan Besbris brings the call globally at BakersfieldBlaze.com and locally on SmartTalk AM-1230.
California League Stories from May 31, 2013
- Lancaster Drubs Rawhide In Road Opener - Visalia Rawhide
- Late Run Lifts Giants Over Ports, 6-5 - Stockton Ports
- 66ers Win in Home Return - Inland Empire 66ers
- 66ers Win in Return Home - Inland Empire 66ers
- Martin Comes Home to Win - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Offense Stalls in 6-3 Defeat - Modesto Nuts
- Giants Rally to 6-5 Win over Stockton - San Jose Giants
- Rancho Pushes First, Opens Series with 5-2 Win - Bakersfield Blaze
- Heap of Runs Plenty for Hallock - Lancaster JetHawks
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