Ports Two-Hit Blaze in 4-1 Victory

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - Stockton Ports starting pitcher Seth Streich (1-0) couldn't have asked for a better introduction to the California League. Streich retired the first 11 batters he faced and allowed just one hit over five innings of work as he helped the Boys of Banner Island to a 4-1 victory over the Bakersfield Blaze on Monday night at Sam Lynn Ballpark.

Stockton's offense got off to a fast start as Daniel Robertson doubled with one out and scored on an ensuing RBI single by Renato Nunez. The Ports added a run in the second off Blaze starter Wandy Peralta. With the bases empty and two outs, Chad Pinder hit his first home run of the season, a solo blast to right-center to make it 2-0.

Peralta suffered the loss as he went four innings and allowed two runs on six hits while striking out two.

Bakersfield's first baserunner came in the fourth as Jesse Winker walked to break up the 11 straight retired by Streich to open the game. Streich hit Kyle Waldrop with his first pitch of the fifth inning and then gave up his only hit of the night, an RBI double to Marquez Smith that cut the Ports lead to 2-1. After Juan Silva drew a walk, Streich got Chris Berset to fly out to center and then got Zach Vincej to hit into an inning-ending 6-3 double play to end his outing.

Streich earned the win, going five innings and allowing one run on one hit while walking two and striking out six.

Stockton's bullpen, a combination of Tucker Healy and Nolan Sanburn (SV, 2), combined to set down 12 of the final 13 batters to close out the ballgame with each pitcher tossing two innings apiece.

The Ports added a pair of solo home runs late in the contest. In the sixth, Dusty Robinson hit his first home run of the season out to left field off Blaze reliever Jacob Johnson. In the eighth, Bruce Maxwell homered off Tim Adleman to extend the Ports lead to 4-1.

The Ports and Blaze continue their three-game set on Tuesday night at Sam Lynn Ballpark. Josh Bowman (0-0, 3.00 ERA) makes his second start for Stockton, opposed by Blaze right-hander James Allen (0-0, 1.80 ERA). First pitch is set for 7:15 p.m. PDT.