Two Pitchers, Two Homers; Blaze Victorious 5-3
August 21, 2015 - California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
Austin Wilson and Tyler O'Neill flexed their muscle, Brett Ash was terrifically efficient, and Emilio Pagan rolled through the final frames, and the Bakersfield Blaze powered past the San Jose Giants 5-3 on a tidy Friday night affair in San Jose.
The Blaze were able to build a nice mid-game lead thanks in large part to a pair of booming home runs from the middle of the order.
Austin Wilson broke the seal on the contest by blasting a shot to deep center in the 4th off Giants starter Jose Reyes (L, 3-6), a drive measured at 431 feet that gave the Blaze a 2-0 lead.
The Giants got one back off Brett Ash (W, 6-8) in the home half, but the Blaze used a three-run 5th for some cushion. Daniel Torres began the inning by drawing a walk, and Nelson Ward and Aaron Barbosa followed with singles to plate a run and grab a 3-1 lead. After a double-play grounder, Tyler O'Neill smashed his 29th homer of the year to lead the league, and the Blaze moved in front 5-1.
The Giants nibbled closer with two in the 6th, but would inch no further.
Emilio Pagan (S, 6) was summoned to begin the 7th inning, and the righthander dominated, retiring all nine Giants batters he faced over the final three innings, striking out five for the save.
With the win, Brett Ash is now tied for the team lead with six wins, and the Blaze improve to 1-1 in the series with the Giants.
The four game series still has two left, but fans should note the unusual times. The Saturday evening contest is slated for a 5:05pm start time, and the Sunday finale will begin at 1:05pm.
On Saturday, the Blaze hand the ball to Scott DeCecco, with the lefty set to face the Giants for a first time this year. Fans can listen to every moment online at BakersfieldBlaze.com or via the TuneIn Radio app. Dan Besbris has the call.
California League Stories from August 21, 2015
- Two Pitchers, Two Homers; Blaze Victorious 5-3 - Bakersfield Blaze
- Dan Altavilla and Tyler O'Neill Named Postseason All Stars - Bakersfield Blaze
- Reed Named Cal League Most Valuable Player - Lancaster JetHawks
- Vic Zapien Named California League Clubhouse Manager of the Year - Stockton Ports
- Christian Arroyo and Chase Johnson Named to Postseason All-Star Team - San Jose Giants
- J.R. House Named California League Manager of the Year - Visalia Rawhide
- 2015 California League Field Awards and Post Season All-Stars Named - CalL1
- Radziewski Stymies Storm in Series Opener - Lancaster JetHawks
- Mavericks Send 66ers to Seventh Straight Loss - Inland Empire 66ers
- Giants Edge Blaze for Third Straight Win - San Jose Giants
- Shelton Delivers a Gem in 4-0 Win - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Ports Open Road Trip with Key 3-0 Win - Stockton Ports
- 3-0 Shutout Sends Nuts to Fifth Straight Loss - Modesto Nuts
- O'Neill Hits 28th Dinger in 3-2 Loss - Bakersfield Blaze
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