Rawhide Gut Out Win at Sam Lynn

BAKERSFIELD--Daniel Bowman picked a great time for his first Rawhide homer.

Bowman's 2-run poke in the top of the 8th was the difference for Visalia in a 6-4 win over the Blaze at Sam Lynn Ballpark on Tuesday night.

Visalia never trailed in the game, but they were never comfortable either. The Rawhide grabbed an immediate lead in the 1st, as Raul Navarro doubled, Socrates Brito singled him home, and Steve McQuail drove in Brito to make it 2-0.

Bakersfield came right back against Brandon Sinnery, though, with 2 of their own. In fact, after Sinnery walked home the 2nd run, the Blaze still had the bases loaded with only 1 out, and were threatening to knock Sinnery out early.

But the Rawhide starter stabilized, and was excellent the rest of his outing. He worked out of the 1st without further damaged, and pitched through 6 with only the 2 runs yielded.

Visalia regained the lead in the top of the 3rd; Brandon Drury singled, Rudy Flores doubled, and Steve McQuail doubled them both home to give Visalia a 4-2 advantage.

The Blaze rallied again in the 7th, taking advantage of a couple Rawhide miscues; they scored on a passed ball and a 2-out throwing error to re-tie the game, 4-4.

But that merely set the stage for Bowman's heroics. With Kevin Medrano (who had reached on a 1-out walk) aboard, Bowman took Blaze reliever Jimmy Moran deep to right field to give the 'Hide the winning margin.

J.R. Bradley and Enrique Burgos combined to shut Bakersfield down in the final 2 innings. Burgos remained perfect in save opportunities this season.

The Rawhide have now won 4 of 5 and 5 of 7, and will seek their 2nd straight series win tomorrow night at 7:50.

************************************************