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By Matthew Martz / Photo by Frank Domingo Photography

The San Jose Giants exploded for eight runs in the bottom of the eighth inning beating the Blaze 8-3 and taking a two game lead in the division finals on Sunday at Municipal Stadium.

The Blaze had only allowed the Giants two hits in seven complete and looked to be heading back to Bakersfield with the series tied at one when Johnny Monell’s lead off homer to left off reliever Justin Miller started an eight run rally for San Jose.

Bakersfield starter Tim Murphy pitched seven strong innings on the hill, striking out five, issuing three free passes, and allowing just two hits and no earned runs.

The Blaze took 1-0 lead in the third when Michael Bianucci hit a sac fly to left scoring Matthew Lawson who singled in a previous at-bat.

Bakersfield added to their lead in the top half of the eighth on an RBI double from Joey Butler and another sac fly RBI from Bianucci, his second of the night.

The Blaze’s Justin Miller (L, 0-1) was summoned from the bullpen to start the eighth and surrendered a solo home run to the first batter he faced. After forcing a ground out in the next at-bat, Miller gave up a single and walk. He sat down the Giants Thomas Neal on strikes and was near working his way out of the inning, preserving a Blaze 3-1 lead, when suddenly it all imploded as Miller unleashed a wild pitch in the following at-bat that allowed San Jose to score a run and load the bases.

Miller would get the hook and Glenn Swanson would be called upon to stop the bleeding.

Swanson walked the first batter he faced allowing the Giants to tie the game 3-3, and then surrendered a three run double to give the Giants a 6-3 lead. Swanson surrendered one more before exiting the mound. Dustin Brader came into the ballgame with bases loaded and gave up one inherited run before striking out Thomas Neal to end the eighth.

Giants’ reliever Daniel Turpen had a 1-2-3 ninth, retiring the side and ending the ballgame 8-3.

The series continues with game three on Monday at San Lynn Ballpark. It is a must win situation for Bakersfield. First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.