Storm Squeeze out Win in Finale, 5-4
Published on June 9, 2013 under California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
Tied 4-4 in the 9th, the Lake Elsinore Storm pulled off one of the most exciting plays in baseball, the squeeze, breaking the deadlock, and sending the Bakersfield Blaze to a disappointing series split on Sunday afternoon in Bakersfield.
Each team played comeback once prior to the late-game theatrics.
The Blaze took the first lead of the day early, with Juan Perez beginning the bottom of the 1st with a double, and later scoring on a Marquez Smith base hit.
In the very next frame, Bakersfield added another on back-to-back doubles from Juan Duran and David Vidal, and the Blaze led 2-0 against hard-throwing Frank Garces.
James Allen got the start for the Blaze, and after starting quickly, was burned by some bad luck in the 4th. Two bloop singles, one infield hit, a seeing-eye single, an error and a line drive, and suddenly, Lake Elsinore led, 4-2.
But the battling Blaze would not go away. In the 5th, Yorman Rodriguez tripled to right, and Smith followed with a two-run homer, his second in as many nights, tying the game at four runs apiece.
The battle of the bullpens ensued, with Kyle McMyne going two shutout for the Blaze, and Luis De La Cruz (W, 3-4) tossing two for the Storm.
In the 9th, however, after with Kyle Lotzkar (L, 1-1) working his second inning of relief, a walk to Jeremy Rodriguez, followed by a wild pitch and Ronnie Richardson infield single put runners at the corners with one out. After a mound-meeting, B.J. Guinn, on a big curveball, dropped a high-hop bunt right in front of the plate. Lotzkar raced down, tried a glove-flip to his catcher Julio Morillo, but pinch-runner Jace Peterson had already scored, and the Storm went up, 5-4.
The Blaze, perhaps a bit overwhelmed, were retired in order in the bottom of the 9th, with Johnny Barbato (S, 10) picking up his 10th save for the Storm.
The series with Lake Elsinore comes to an end, with each team grabbing two of four, but the homestand still has three left. The Visalia Rawhide come to town Monday night for a Carl's Jr. Dollar Monday event, with tickets and hot dogs just one buck, while supplies last. Gates open at 6:45pm; first pitch at 7:45pm, and first come, first serve on tickets, seating, and dogs.
Dan Besbris brings the call for the Monday evening affair live on BakersfieldBlaze.com. Make sure to tune in over the internet for the Blaze pregame show at 7:40pm, with Blaze action to follow.
California League Stories from June 9, 2013
- Nuts Salvage Series Split as Ports Fall 10-3 - Stockton Ports
- Rawhide Split Series with Quakes - Visalia Rawhide
- Offense Stays Hot in Rout over Stockton - Modesto Nuts
- Quakes Romp in Visalia on Sunday - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Giants Complete Four-Game Sweep of Lancaster - San Jose Giants
- Sneed Leads 66ers to Shutout Victory - Inland Empire 66ers
- Winless Road Trip Ends with 5-3 Loss - Lancaster JetHawks
- Storm Squeeze out Win in Finale, 5-4 - Bakersfield Blaze
- Ports Withstand Late Rally For 8-7 Win - Stockton Ports
- Ports Withstand Late Rally for 8-7 Win - Stockton Ports
- Nuts Rally Late, But Fall 8-7 - Modesto Nuts
- Nip-And-Tuck Ballgame Goes to Bakersfield, 7-3 - Bakersfield Blaze
- 66ers Smash Season High 20 Hits - Inland Empire 66ers
- Quakes Rally for Win in Visalia - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
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