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By Matthew Martz / Photo by Frank Domingo Photography

The Bakersfield Blaze posted their first playoff series win since 2001 with a 6-1 decisive game three win over the Modesto Nuts on Friday at Sam Lynn Ballpark.

Starting pitcher Richard Bleier went eight strong innings on the mound holding the Nuts to just one run on seven hits, while the Blaze offense out hit Modesto 12-7.

The win sends the Blaze to San Jose to face the first place Giants for game one of the best of five division finals on Saturday.

After falling behind 1-0 early in the first inning, the Blaze answered back scoring two in the second to take a 2-1 advantage on an RBI triple from David Paisano, followed by an RBI double by Matthew Lawson.

Lawson added one more for Bakersfield in the fourth on an RBI, before The Blaze broke out adding three more runs in the seventh to take a commanding 6-1 lead.

Bleier (W, 1-0) faced 32 Modesto hitters, striking out eight without a single walk.

Blaze reliever and former Ridgeview High standout Justin Miller, came on in the top of the ninth and struck out the side in order, to end the ballgame.

The series with San Jose begins on Saturday at Municipal Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 2:05 p.m.