Blaze Walk 10 in 4-2 Loss to Modesto
A monster crowd showed up for an exciting game and a fireworks show on Friday night at Sam Lynn Ballpark in Bakersfield, but got just one of the two, as the Bakersfield Blaze dropped a long, hand-wringer 4-2 to the Modesto Nuts that took over 3 and a half hours.
Bakersfield drew first blood, but could muster little else. Donald Lutz homered in the bottom of the first inning, his 8th, to give the Blaze a 1-0 lead. Modesto, however, was relentless. The Nuts worked the count in every inning, forcing Blaze starter Daniel Renken to depart after 5 innings. Renken pitched well, scattering 6 hits and 4 walks while allowing just a run in 5 innings, but left with the game tied 1-1.
Following Renken, Curtis Partch pitched 2 scoreless frames and continues to look very strong in his move to the bullpen, but the game got away from Bakersfield in the 8th. Mike Griffin (L, 1-2) struggled badly with his control, issuing 2 walks before allowing Chandler Laurent's first homer of the year, a 3-run bomb to put the Nuts up 4-1. Griffin walked 1 additional batter before being removed from the game. Dan Wolford finished up for the Blaze, walking the 10th of the game for Blaze pitchers, but getting through 1.2 innings of scoreless relief thanks to a double play behind him.
On the Nuts side, Joshua Slaats pitched well, limiting the Blaze to a run on 3 hits in 5.2 innings, but did not factor into the decision. Isaiah Froneberger (W, 3-0) pitched 1.2 innings of stellar relief for the win, and though the Blaze mustered an unearned run in the 9th, the team suffered its 4th loss in the last 5.
With the defeat, the Blaze fall 2 games back of San Jose in the Cal League North first half. The series with Modesto continues Saturday night at the yard on Cinco de Mayo Souvenir Saturday! All fans in attendance will receive a souvenir Blaze maraca, courtesy of Bright House Networks. First pitch is set for 7:15pm. If you can't make the game, it will also be broadcast live on the radio at SmartTalk 1230AM, and on the internet at BakersfieldBlaze.com, with Dan Besbris calling all the action. Pregame show is at 7:05pm.
Bakersfield drew first blood, but could muster little else. Donald Lutz homered in the bottom of the first inning, his 8th, to give the Blaze a 1-0 lead. Modesto, however, was relentless. The Nuts worked the count in every inning, forcing Blaze starter Daniel Renken to depart after 5 innings. Renken pitched well, scattering 6 hits and 4 walks while allowing just a run in 5 innings, but left with the game tied 1-1.
Following Renken, Curtis Partch pitched 2 scoreless frames and continues to look very strong in his move to the bullpen, but the game got away from Bakersfield in the 8th. Mike Griffin (L, 1-2) struggled badly with his control, issuing 2 walks before allowing Chandler Laurent's first homer of the year, a 3-run bomb to put the Nuts up 4-1. Griffin walked 1 additional batter before being removed from the game. Dan Wolford finished up for the Blaze, walking the 10th of the game for Blaze pitchers, but getting through 1.2 innings of scoreless relief thanks to a double play behind him.
On the Nuts side, Joshua Slaats pitched well, limiting the Blaze to a run on 3 hits in 5.2 innings, but did not factor into the decision. Isaiah Froneberger (W, 3-0) pitched 1.2 innings of stellar relief for the win, and though the Blaze mustered an unearned run in the 9th, the team suffered its 4th loss in the last 5.
With the defeat, the Blaze fall 2 games back of San Jose in the Cal League North first half. The series with Modesto continues Saturday night at the yard on Cinco de Mayo Souvenir Saturday! All fans in attendance will receive a souvenir Blaze maraca, courtesy of Bright House Networks. First pitch is set for 7:15pm. If you can't make the game, it will also be broadcast live on the radio at SmartTalk 1230AM, and on the internet at BakersfieldBlaze.com, with Dan Besbris calling all the action. Pregame show is at 7:05pm.