Early Deficit Proves Too Great in 12-3 Loss

The Bakersfield Blaze have made an unfortunate habit of playing from behind of late, and though the club mounted a monster comeback on Friday night, the Visalia Rawhide refused to give up their Saturday evening lead at Sam Lynn Ballpark in Bakersfield, and the Blaze fell in game two of the season-ending set, 12-3.

The story for the third straight night was a faltering stater. Tonight, Ismael Guillon (L, 1-6) was activated from the disabled list, and was a wreck from the get-go, allowing a solo homer in the 1st before surrendering four more in the 2nd inning, a frame that has doomed the Blaze. Over the last three 2nd innings, the Blaze have given up 19 runs, and, like the last couple, Guillon could not make it through three.

The pen was once again asked to work more than two thirds of the contest, and tonight, there just weren't enough healthy arms left. James Allen worked the 3rd and 4th, keeping the Blaze within their early 5-run hole, and for a moment, it looked like the Blaze might storm back again.

In the bottom of the 4th, Marquez Smith slugged a solo homer, and with two outs, Sebastian Elizalde mashed a two-run shot, bringing Bakersfield within 5-3.

But Rawhide starter Andrew Barbosa (W, 7-3) settled back in, going 5.1 innings, and the Rawhide blew it open late.

Layne Somsen, working in very long relief, allowed a pair of unearned runs in the 6th before running out of gas in the 8th. The Rawhide batted around in the 8th, scoring five times, and the Blaze's goose was cooked.

The win launched Visalia into the postseason, as, combined with San Jose's defeat, Visalia clinched the Northern division wild card spot, and will take on the Stockton Ports in round one of the playoffs. The Blaze will battle the winner of that series in the Northern Division Championship series.

Just two games remain in the 2014 season, both 1:00pm start times on Sunday and Monday.

All are welcome on Sunday as the Blaze host the season's final AAA Brunch at the Ballpark promotion and Sermon on the Mound. Gates open at 11:30am, sermon at noon, and Mike Dennhardt versus John Omahen at 1:00pm.

Can't make it out? Listen live as Dan Besbris has the call at BakersfieldBlaze.com and TuneIn Radio. Pregame show is five minutes before first pitch.