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By Matthew Martz / Photo Courtesy of Frank Domingo Photography

The Blaze scored seven runs in the sixth including a pair of home runs on their way to a 13-6 win over the Modesto Nuts in game two Thursday at Sam Lynn Ballpark.

The win evens the series at one game apiece, with a deciding game three to be played Friday night at Sam Lynn Ballpark. The winner will move on to face the first place San Jose Giants in the division finals on Saturday.

After falling behind 4-1, the Blaze climbed back into the ballgame in the third narrowing the deficit to one on a two run home run from David Paisano, followed by a solo homer from second baseman Matthew Lawson.

Modesto got one back in the top half of the sixth before the Blaze erupted for seven runs in the home half of the inning to pull ahead 10-5.

The Blaze led off the inning with two consecutive home runs from Ian Gac and Tommy Mendonca. After a pair of singles and an RBI double from Matthew Lawson, David Paisano came home on a walk. Michael Bianucci grounded out to second scoring Matthew Lawson, and Ian Gac followed with a two RBI single on a ground ball to left.

The Nuts inched closer on a home run from Jeffrey Cunningham in the seventh, before the Blaze answered back with an RBI single from Davis Stoneburner in the bottom half of the frame, adding to Bakersfield’s lead, 11-6.

Bakersfield’s Tommy Mendoca gave the Blaze a commanding 13-6 when he clubbed a two-run blast to deep left in the bottom of the eighth. His second of the game. 

Blaze reliever Glenn Swanson was called upon in the ninth and pitched a 1-2-3 inning to end the ballgame.

Blaze starter Tanner Roark went just three innings on the mound surrendering four earned runs on seven hits including three home runs. Tyler Tufts who replaced Roark in the fourth earned his first win of the season.

Blaze LHP Richard Bleier (7-11) is expected to start game three tonight. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.