Rawhide Hold Off Bakersfield for 12th Straight Win

BAKERSFIELD--The Rawhide started fast and held on late to record their 12th consecutive win in an 8-7 triumph at Sam Lynne Ballpark on Monday night.

The Rawhide loaded the bases in the top of the 1st against Blaze starter Wandy Peralta, and Rudy Flores unloaded on a hanging breaking ball to put the 'Hide ahead 4-0.

Two batters later, Socrates Brito homered as well, making it 5-0 'Hide before they took the field defensively.

But it wouldn't be easy for the Rawhide; Bakersfield chipped away with single runs in the 3rd and 4th (and left 3 runners in those innings as well, after stranding 2 in the 2nd inning).

But Visalia scored 3 more in the top of the 5th; with 1 out, Breland Almadova tripled to right field; Alex Glenn brought him home with an RBI single to make it 6-2 Rawhide. Then, Brandon Drury tripled to score Glenn and make it 7-2; Rudy Flores singled Drury home to give the 'Hide a seemingly comfortable 8-2 cushion.

As it turned out, though, they would need every bit of it.

Bakersfield jumped right back into the game in the bottom of the 5th; after 2 runners reached with 1 out, and Marquez Smith blasted a 3-run shot to left-center, and it was 8-5.

Bakersfield stranded 2 runners in the 6th and 8th, but left them both times. In the bottom of the 9th, though, Sebastian Elizalde doubled to begin the bottom of the 9th, and with 1 out, Marquez Smith homered again, shaving Visalia's lead to 8-7.

But Enrique Burgos then struck out Harold Riggins and retired Juan Perez on a ground ball to remain perfect in save opportunities (22 for 22), and give Visalia their 12th straight win. It kept them a game ahead of San Jose for the Wild Card and 3 behind Stockton in the 2nd Half standings.

The Rawhide will seek Lucky 13 tomorrow at 7:35!

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