CalL1 Inland Empire 66ers

Sixers Bats Stymied as Kuroda Makes Rehab Start

Published on May 23, 2009 under California League (CalL1)
Inland Empire 66ers News Release


BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - Hiroki Kuroda allowed just one hit in his 3 2/3 inning rehab start, but the 66ers were held scoreless for the final six frames, dropping the series opener to the Bakersfield Blaze, 2-1, Friday night.

Kuroda, the Dodgers opening-day starter on the disabled list with a strained left side muscle, struck out three, didn't walk a batter and yielded one unearned run on one hit.

Bakersfield's Mauro Gomez led off the second inning with a double to right off Kuroda. After Joey Butler grounded out, Gomez scored when Jonathan Green's fly ball to center was misplayed by Trayvon Robinson for an error.

The Sixers rallied with two outs in the third to tie the ballgame. Elian Herrera singled to left before Adolfo Gonzalez hit a run-scoring double to pull the teams even.

Tim Sexton replaced Kuroda with two outs in the fourth and ran into trouble to start the fifth.

Davis Stoneburger led off with a single to center before Jose Feliz follwed with a base hit, setting the table for the Blaze. Stoneburger scored when Matthew Lawson reached on an error at second base by Justin Fuller. The Blaze loaded the bases before Sexton escaped the jam to limit the damage to one run, but that run held up for Bakersfield.

Sexton (1-4) took another tough-luck defeat, allowing 1 run on 4 hits in 4 1/3 innings. He walked 1 and fanned 2 while lowering his earned run average to a miniscule 2.33, second best in the California League.

Michael Main (4-4) picked up the win, limiting the Sixers to 1 run on 5 hits in 5 innings.

Ryan Falcon worked three innings for Bakersfield before Evan Reed picked up the save with a scoreless ninth.

Jaime Ortiz made his Inland Empire debut and went 2-for-4 with a double while Christian Lara added a pair of hits.

Kuroda is scheduled to make another rehab start for the 66ers on Wednesday at Arrowhead Credit Union Park.

The 66ers and Blaze will continue the four-game series at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Tune in to 1050AM KCAA to hear Mike Sager call all the action at 7:05 p.m. Friday night as the 66ers look to continue their winning ways against the Bakersfield Blaze. If you can't get 1050AM KCAA on your radio dial, go to www.66ers.com and click on the "Listen Live" link to hear the game right on your computer.

The 66ers will return home on Wednesday, May 27 for a four-game series against the Modesto Nuts. Game time on Wednesday is slated for 7:05 p.m. For tickets to the game or for more information, visit the 66ers box office at 280 South E Street in San Bernardino or call (909) 888-9922.

Check out the Inland Empire 66ers Statistics

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California League Stories from May 23, 2009


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