Visalia Oaks vs. Bakersfield Blaze
Published on July 11, 2003 under California League (CalL1)
Visalia Rawhide News Release
Visalia â 12-9 in the second half, tied for first â 47-44 overall, third in the Northern Division Bakersfield â 12-9 in the second half, tied for first â 50-41 overall, second in the Northern Division
The Oaks took the first two games of a four game series this week in San Jose to extend a winning streak to three. However, San Jose earned a split in the series with wins Wednesday and last night. The Giants slid past the Oaks yesterday, 3-2 in 10 innings. .
In Lake Elsinore, the Blaze won the first two in a three game series, but was shutout last night, 7-0. The Storm is the first place team in the Southern Division at 13-7 in the second half and a one game lead over Inland Empire.
Tonight's game is the first on a seven game home stand for Visalia and the fourth on a seven game road trip for Bakersfield. It's the first in a four game series that will conclude with a doubleheader Sunday afternoon.
Tightness: San Jose is 11-9 in the second half, Stockton is 12-10 and both are a half game behind the Oaks and the Blaze. Modesto, the fifth Northern Division team, is 9-11 and 2.5 games out, in last place.
The Series: Visalia won the last two meetings of the first half between these two teams and earned a split in a four game series at Bakersfield, June 2-5. This is the first meeting between these two teams in the second half. Bakersfield leads the season series, 8-6 but is 3-4 at Recreation Park.
It has been a while since Oaks first baseman Ryan Shealy played a game without reaching base. He has been on base safely in each of his last 38 games, dating back to May 28. It is the longest such streak in the California League this season.
Solid Pitching: Bakersfield has the lowest team earned run average in the California League coming into tonight's game. At 3.70, it is one of only two in the league below 4.00. Inland Empire's ERA is 3.94. The Oaks are fourth in the League at 4.24.
Beyond Solid: LHP Jeff Francis (5-8, 5.03 ERA) is pitching tonight for the first time since throwing a no hitter Sunday against Modesto. The no-no was the first complete game no-hitter at Recreation Park since Willie Banks no-hit Palm Springs on May 24, 1989. It was the first in the California League since Ted Lilly no-hit Lake Elsinore for San Bernardino in 1997. Francis was named the California League Pitcher of the Week for his effort against the Athletics. After a 2-7 start, the native of Canada went 2-0 in June with a 2.16 ERA. He won in Bakersfield with six shutout innings on June 5. Francis has allowed no runs five times this season and those games represent his only five victories.
RHP Jamie Shields (7-3, 1 save, 3.83 ERA) will be on the mound tonight for Bakersfield. He is 3-0 in his last three starts and earned a save with four innings of relief work against San Jose on June 21, two days before the All Star Break. Shields is 0-1 in four starts against the Oaks this season. His only decision versus Visalia was in the Oaks' home opener on April 11, in which he allowed seven runs (6 ER) on seven hits in 4.1 innings.
Tonight's Promotions: It's the fourth in the series of five Quizno's Sub Legends of the California League Bobble Head Giveaways. Tonight's giveaway will feature Darin Erstad wearing Lake Elsinore Storm uniforms. Recipients of the giveaway will be determined through an on-field promotion held during the game. The first 500 fans entering tonight's game will be given Bank of the Sierra Player Posters, presented by IDEA Printing and Graphics. Sean Green is featured on the posters and will be in the concourse signing autographs for the first half hour the gates are open. Plus, all kids can run the bases after the game.
A Big Leaguer Tomorrow: Bakersfield sends Dewon Brazelton to the mound Saturday. Brazelton spent two months this season in the Tampa Bay Devil Rays starting rotation. Below are the expected pitching match ups for rest of the series:
Bakersfield Visalia
Saturday, 7:05 p.m. RHP Dewon Brazelton (0-1, 12.46 ERA) vs. LHP Justin Hampson (9-5, 3.77 ERA)
Sunday, 1:35 p.m. RHP Jarod Matthews (6-4, 4.19 ERA) vs. RHP Mike Esposito (7-4, 4.08 ERA)
Sunday, Game Two RHP Brian Lockwood (4-6, 5.33 ERA) vs. LHP Nick Webb (2-1, 4.71 ERA)
The Radisson Pre Game Show begins at 6:52 p.m. Saturday on AM 1270 KJUG.
California League Stories from July 11, 2003
- Visalia Oaks vs. Bakersfield Blaze - Visalia Rawhide
- JetHawks Shake Quakes in Rout - Lancaster JetHawks
- Almost is not enough - Visalia Rawhide
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