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Bt Matt Martz

Davis Stoneburner’s two run homer in the first and a solo home run from Ian Gac to lead off the second, lifted the Blaze 3-2, over the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes in a Labor Day matinee at Sam Lynn Ballpark.

Monday’s game concluded the 2009 regular season and the win secured home field advantage for Bakersfield’s first postseason appearance in eight years.

After finishing the first half of the season two games under .500, the Blaze (75-65) is 25-5 since Aug 6.

“The team has taken it upon themselves to play the game the right way everyday,” said Blaze Manager Steve Buechele, “ Somewhere around the end of July it just clicked with them and now we are in the playoffs.”

The Blaze will square off against the Modesto Nuts in round one. The two teams have met 29 times this season with Bakersfield leading the season series 15-14.

“We have seen them a lot and know their hitters pretty well,” said Blaze starting pitcher Tanner Roark, “They are a tough team to beat in Modesto. We have to win our spots, load the bases, make the right pitches and limit the walks.”

Roark, who is 2-0 against the Nuts this season, has an ERA of 2.70, and leads the team with 10 wins, is expected to get the start when the team returns to Bakersfield for game two.

“It all begins with the starting rotation, our bullpen has been solid. The guys have been swinging the bat well and we have been better offensively,” stated Buechele.

A big part of the Blaze offense has been proverbial powerhouse DH Mauro Gomez. Gomez leads the Blaze with 28 home runs, third best in Cal League, a vast improvement from the eight home runs he posted in 2008.

“I’ve made big adjustments in my hitting this year,” said Gomez. “Last year I always tried to hit home runs, this year I am swinging easier and I am seeing the ball better.”

The Nuts (75-65) are 5-5 in their last 10, wrapping up their season with two straight wins against the first place High Desert Mavericks. They team has five solid starters including Cory Riordan (12-7 / 3.93 ERA) and are lead offensively by CF Charles Blackmon who is second in the league with 169 hits and .307 AVG.

“When you play against Modesto you have to be aware in certain situations, they play a different style of baseball,” said Buechele, “They know our style and we know theirs, they are a good team and tough to beat on the road. This will be a great series.”

Blaze RHP Kennil Gomez is expected to start game one on Wednesday at Modesto, with game two and three if necessary on Thursday and Friday at Sam Lynn Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.