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By Matthew Martz

The Bakersfield Blaze took two of a three game series against the Visalia Rawhide at Sam Lynn Ballpark this week extending their wining streak to two and placing them two games ahead of Visalia for a post-season wild card spot.

In game one the Blaze out-hit the Rawhide 15-13 but came up short losing 9-4 on Tuesday.

Bakersfield starter Jared Hyatt (L, 1-2) surrendered five runs on five hits, including a three run homer to Ryne White in the first inning, and would not return to the mound.

Relievers Glenn Swanson (4 IP, 4 ER) and Hector Nelo (4 IP, 0 ER) shared the duties for the remainder of the ballgame.

Manager Steve Buechele was ejected from the contest in the second after arguing a call with the head umpire Bronson Martinez.

Rawhide starter Patrick McAnaney (W, 8-6) went five innings, giving up nine hits and three earned runs, while striking out two of the 23 batters he faced.

Bakersfield edged out the Rawhide in game two, 8-7, on Wednesday in spite of another disaster start by Blaze starter Tim Murphy.

Murphy gave up six runs in five innings, surrendering 11 hits, a walk and striking out four.

Jacob Kaase’s three-run homer in the bottom of the second tied the game at 4-4, and a pair of Bakersfield runs in the fifth and sixth gave the Blaze an 8-7 lead.

Reliever Tanner Roark (W, 4-0) pitched 1.2 innings – enough to get the win, while Adelberto Flores and Evan Reed (S, 15) pitched three up and three down innings to close out the game preserving the one run advantage.

The Blaze nailed Rawhide starter Trevor Harden for five runs on six hits. Reliever Jeff Dietz (L, 3-6) gave up two runs and was saddled with the loss.

The Blaze (51-54) extended their win streak to two, combining for fourteen hits while holding Visalia to just five on their way to a 10-5 victory in game three on Thursday

Bakersfield never trailed in the game, jumping out to an early 2-0 lead in the second inning.

The Rawhide (49-56) tied the game at 2-2 in the top of the third and again 3-3 in the top of the fourth.

Bakersfield would break the deadlock for the final time taking a 6-3 lead in the bottom half of the fourth with successive two-out singles by Jose Felix, David Pisano and Davis Stoneburner.

Once again the Rawhide rallied for two runs in the fifth closing the deficit 6-5.

Blaze starter Kennil Gomez (W, 4-9) allowed 10 hits and five runs in five innings. Relievers
Beau Jones and Ryan Falcon each pitched two scoreless and hitless innings.

Bakersfield capped the scoring 10-5 with a pair of runs in the fifth and a pair in the seventh, including a two run shot from Joey Butler, his tenth of the season.

Butler finished the game with a two-run homer, two singles and a stolen base. Jonathan Greene drew an HBP and singled twice. David Paisano, Davis Stoneburner, and Ian Gac also had two hits apiece.

The Blaze will start a three game road series against the Visalia Rawhide on Friday at Recreation Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05p.m.

What’s Burning: CF Engel Beltre is out with a broken wrist. He is likely to be out for several weeks or maybe done for the season.

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By Matthew Martz

The Bakersfield Blaze and Modesto Nuts combined for 74 hits and 48 runs as Modesto took two of the three game series last weekend at John Thurman Field.

In game one the Nuts shut out the Blaze 11-0, out hitting Bakersfield 12-6 on Saturday.

The Blaze stranded nine, only converting once with runners in scoring position seven times during the ballgame.

Bakersfield starter Kennil Gomez (L, 3-9) surrendered seven runs on eight hits, a walk, two hit batters and four wild pitches in four innings. Relievers Glenn Swanson and Hector Nelo both pitched a pair of innings giving up two hits and two earned runs each.

Nuts starter Joey Williamson (W, 11-1) went 6.2 innings, giving up six hits and striking out five of the 27 batters he faced.

Modesto again blasted the Blaze pitching staff wining game two of the series on Sunday, 9-1.

The Nuts nailed Blaze starter Richard Bleier (L, 5-8) for seven runs the first inning alone. A recomposed Bleier limited the Nuts to a single run on six hits in the subsequent five innings, with five strikeouts.

Modesto posted 15 hits while the Blaze managed just two in the contest, including a solo home run from Tim Rodriguez in the sixth, his fourth of the season off Nuts reliever Austin Chambliss (3 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K)

Bakersfield reliever Dustin Brader came into the contest in the seventh and in two innings surrendered a home run to Maikol Gonzalez in the eighth.

Modesto starter Ching Lung Lo (W, 1-1) was solid on the mound, allowing no hits in five innings while striking out five of 15.

The slumbering Blaze (49-53) offense awoke in the final game of the series tapping the Nuts for 21 hits in a 15-12 victory on Monday.

Trailing 6-0, Bakersfield recovered scoring three runs in the fourth on RBI singles from Davis Stoneburner and Matthew Lawson, narrowing the deficit 6-3.

The Nuts (56-46) would regain the lead at 9-3 in the fifth before the Blaze answered back scoring four runs in the sixth off Modesto reliever Xavier Ceden.

Bakersfield took the lead scoring four runs in the eighth and then four more in the top of the ninth, taking a commanding 15-9 lead.

Modesto rallied for three runs in the ninth against Blaze reliever Evan Reed, scoring the first run on a passed ball, followed by a two RBI single to left by Lars Davis. Brian Rike struck out to end the game, 15-12.

Blaze starter Ryan Tatusko allowed 13 hits and nine runs in 4.2 innings. Adalberto Flores struck out the potential tying run, ending the game and notching his second save of the season.

Joey Butler went 4-for-5 with two doubles, a hit-by-pitch, three runs and three RBIs, Jacob Kaase, Mike Bianucci, Davis Stoneburner, and Matt Lawson all had three hits apiece.

The Blaze will start a three game series against the Visalia Rawhide on Tuesday at Sam Lynn Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 7:30p.m.

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By Matthew Martz

The Bakersfield Blaze managed to hit seven doubles and avoided the sweep by beating the High Desert Mavericks 5-1 on Friday at Sam Lynn Ballpark.

Bakersfield (48-51) struck first in the bottom half of the second when Timothy Rodriguez grounded into double play allowing Michael Bianucci , who doubled to lead off the inning, to score from third, giving the Blaze a 1-0 advantage.

The next 4 ½ innings remained scoreless until Davis Stonburner led off the Blaze half of the sixth with a double, followed by a pair of doubles from Mauro Gomez and Michael Bianucci scoring two runs in the inning, increasing Bakersfield’s lead 3-0.

Trailing by three, the Mavericks (58-49), scored the teams only run of the contest in the seventh on a fielding error by Blaze 3B Jonathan Greene.

Bakersfield padded their lead 5-1 in the bottom half of the frame as Timothy Rodriguez doubled to left to lead off the inning and later scored when Elio Sarmiento popped a double into right, later coming around to score on a Davis Stonburner RBI single to left.

Starter Tim Murphy (W, 7-8) posted one of his better starts of the season allowing no earned runs on five hits, no walks, and five strikeouts in six innings, while Mavericks starter Travis Mortimore (L, 2-3) went five on the mound, allowing three hits and one earned run, issuing one free pass and striking out two.

Both Mavericks’ relievers Nathan Adcock and Stephen Penny allowed two earned runs on three hits each in a combined three innings.

Davis Stonebuner was 2-for-4 with a single, double and an RBI, Jonathan Greene had a double in four at-bats, Mauro Gomez went 1-for-4 with an RBI double, and Michael Bianucci was 2-for-4 with a single and an RBI double.

The Blaze will start a three game series against the Modesto Nuts on Saturday at John Thurman Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05p.m.

What’s Burning: Fridays win snapped a Blaze five game winless streak. Bakersfield has 195 doubles, fourth best in the Cal League.

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By Matthew Martz

After Wednesdays game against the High Desert Mavericks had to be postponed due to flooding in the Blaze clubhouse, the extra day of rest seemed to work for the Mavs as they swept the double header winning game one 9-1, and game two 5-1 on Thursday at Sam Lynn Ballpark.

The Cal League South’s first place High Desert Mavericks (58-48) took an early lead in the top of the second to begin game one of the double header when Kuo Hui Lo doubled in a run making it 1-0 in favor of the Mavs.

Joseph Dunigan would come to the plate in the third with bases loaded and one away, belting a grand slam off Blaze starter Ryan Tatusko (L, 3-5), giving the Mavs a 5-0 lead.

High Desert would add a solo run in the fifth on an RBI double from Edilio Colina.

Down by six, Bakersfield (47-51) posted their only run of the contest in the bottom half of the fifth when Davis Stoneburner hit a two out RBI single to left scoring Elio Sarmiento who singled in a previous at-bat, cutting the deficit 6-1.
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The Mavericks broke the game wide open in the sixth scoring three additional runs capping the scoring 9-1 off Blaze reliever Dustin Brader (2 IP, 6 H, 4 ER).

Starter Ryan Tatusko finished allowing five earned runs, no walks and four strikeouts in five innings, while Mavericks starter Steven Hensley completed the game going a full seven innings on the mound, allowing five hits and one earned run and striking out six of the 26 batters he faced.

Game two started out in the same way with the Mavericks getting one the board in the top of the second when Travis Scott singled to right to bring in Joseph Dunigan who doubled to lead off the inning.

Trailing 2-0, Bakersfield notched their only run of the ballgame on an Ian Gac RBI double to center field.

High Desert would get three more in the top of the fifth off starter Jared Hyatt, capping the score 5-1.

Hyatt (L, 1-1) matched Tatusko first game outing with five runs in five innings. He walked one and fanned four.

Mavericks’ starter Donald Humme went six innings on the rubber, allowing just three hits, and one earned run and three walks while striking out 11.

The Blaze will finish the three game series against the High Desert Mavericks on Friday at Sam Lynn Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 7:30p.m.

What’s Burning: The Blaze has lost five straight.

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By Matthew Martz

Thomas Neal’s three run blast over the left field wall in the bottom of the seventh inning broke a 4-4 tie helping propel the Giants to an 8-4 victory, and sweeping a three game series against the Bakersfield Blaze on Tuesday at Municipal Stadium.

The Giants (63-33) took an early lead in the first scoring a lone run when David Maroul hit an RBI single to left, giving San Jose a 1-0 lead.

Bakersfield tied the game in the top of the second when Michael Bianucci clubbed a solo home run to left, his second of the season.

San Jose added three more in the bottom half of the third regaining the lead, 4-1.

Again Bakersfield (47-49) tied the game in the sixth, 4-4 when Michael Bianucci hit his second home run of the game followed by a two-run blast to left from LF Timothy Rodriguez, his third of the year.

Reliever Beau Jones (2 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K) came into the game in the seventh, replacing Blaze starter Richard Bleier with runners at the corners and no outs. Facing his first batter Jones surrendered a three run homer to Thomas Neal giving the Giants a 7-4 advantage.

San Jose capped the scoring adding a single run in the eighth resulting off a throwing error from Blaze first baseman Ian Gac.

Giants’ reliever Mike Musgrave (1 IP, 1H, 1BB) pitched a scoreless ninth to end the ballgame.

Richard Bleier (L, 5-7) gave up six runs in six innings on 11 hits. He walked two and struck out four.

Giants’ starter Paul Oseguera went six innings on the rubber, allowing eight hits, four earned runs one walk while striking out four. LHP Wilmin Rodriguez (W, 3-0) picked up the win pitching two scoreless innings in the seventh and eighth.

Michael Bianucci went 2-4 with a pair of home runs and two RBIs and Timothy Rodriguez had a double, a home run and two RBIs in two at-bats.

The Blaze will return home to begin a three game series against the High Desert Mavericks on Wednesday at Sam Lynn Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 7:45 p.m.

What’s Burning: LHP Corey Young was assigned to Frisco Roughriders from Bakersfield Blaze on 7/20/09.

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By Matthew Martz

For the second game in as many days the San Jose Giants posted multiple runs early on, scoring seven in the first four innings on Monday night on their way to a 7-1 victory over the Bakersfield Blaze at Municipal Stadium.

The Giants (62-33), struck early in the contest, taking a 1-0 lead in their first at-bat when Thomas Neal hit a two-out solo homer to left center.

San Jose would add a two more in the bottom half of the second when Nick Noonan singled on a line drive to right allowing C. J. Ziegler, who walked to lead off the inning to score. Darren Ford followed by hitting a sacrifice fly, driving in the second run of the inning, giving the Giants a 3-0 lead.

Bakersfield (47-48) left runners stranded in the top of the fourth with the tying run at first, when Giants’ pitcher Clayton Tanner retired two in a row ending the inning with bases loaded.

The Giants scored four runs in the bottom of the frame as Blaze starter Kennil Gomez walked the first two batters of the inning then allowed a two out two run double by Brain Babcock before issuing another free pass. Reliever Glenn Swanson would replace Gomez in the fourth with runners at first and second surrendering a two run double to the first batter he faced, giving San Jose a 7-0 lead.

The lone Blaze run came in the top of the eight when Joey Butler lead off the inning with a solo home run to deep left of Giants’ Reliever Trey Webb.

Kennil Gomez (L, 3-8) gave up six runs in 3.2 innings in his second start off the DL. He walked five and struck out four. Reliever Glenn Swanson (2.1 IP, 5 H, 2BB, 3 K) and Aldaberto Florers (2 IP, 1 H, 5 K) pitched a pair of scoreless frames each.

Giants’ starter Clayton Tanner (W, 8-4) went six innings, allowing eight hits, one walk while striking out five.

The Blaze will continue the series against the Giants in game three on Tuesday at Municipal Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00p.m.

What’s Burning: Bakersfield had ten hits in the ballgame including Jonathan Greene’s 14th homer and a single, but managed to push across a single run.

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By Matthew Martz

San Jose tagged Blaze starter Tim Murphy for nine runs jumping out to a 9-0 lead after just four innings, before going on to win game one of the three game series 14-5 on Sunday at Municipal Stadium.

The division leading Giants (61-33), opened the scoring in the bottom of the second when Roger Kieschnick led off the inning with a solo home run to right followed by a run crossing on a wild pitch, and two more including an RBI double from Darren Ford, giving the Giants a 4-0 lead.

San Jose would add a single run in the third and four more in the bottom of the fourth taking a commanding 9-0 lead before reliever Ryan Falcon (2 IP, 3 H, 3 K) came into the contest replacing starter Tim Murphy in the fourth inning.

After a three up three down first, Murphy (L, 6-8) gave up nine earned runs on ten hits in just three innings on the rubber.

Trailing 9-0, the Blaze (47-47) scored three in the top of the fifth when Mike Bianucci led of the inning with a solo homer, his first of the season, followed by a two run shot to left from Elio Sarmiento, as Bakersfield climbed back into the game 9-3.

The Blaze would narrow the gap 9-5 in the sixth when Ian Gac tapped a sacrifice fly to center scoring Jonathan Greene, followed by an RBI double to right from Joey Butler.

San Jose padded their lead in the bottom half of the frame with a lone run before adding four more to seal the deal 14-5 in the bottom of the eighth off Blaze reliever Hector Nelo (3 IP, 9 H, 5 ER, 1 BB, 2 K).

Giants’ starter Oliver Odle (W, 6-7) went 5.2 innings, allowing five earned runs on nine hits, including a pair of home runs, while striking out two.
Mike Bianucci was 2-for-4 with a double, a home run and an RBI, Jonathan Greene had a pair of singles in four at-bats, Elio Sarmiento went 1-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs, and Joey Butler was 2-for-4 with a single, a double and an RBI.

The Blaze will continue the series against the Giants in game two on Monday at Municipal Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00p.m. Clayton Tanner (7-4, 3.33 ERA) is slated to start on the mound for San Jose while Bakersfield is expected to counter with Kennil Gomez (3-7, 4.96 ERA).

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By Matthew Martz

Bakersfield Blaze first baseman Ian Gac hit a walk off home run to lead off the bottom of the tenth as the Blaze win 5-4, and take three of the four game series against the Visalia Rawhide, on Saturday night at Sam Lynn Ballpark.

The Rawhide (45-48) opened the scoring in the top half of the third when Ollie Linton Jr. tapped an RBI single to left scoring David Cooper who reached on a single earlier in the inning, giving the Rawhide a 1-0 lead.

The Blaze would knot the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the fifth when Davis Stoneburner doubled to center bringing in Timothy Rodriguez.

Visalia reclaimed the lead 4-1 when Taylor Harbin led off the sixth with a solo home run followed by an RBI single from James Skelton, who tripled in the eighth putting runners at the corners. Gregory Thomson plated Kyle Greene in the next at-bat before David Cooper struck out swinging to end the inning.

Trailing 4-1, the Blaze (47-46) scored two in the bottom half of the eighth narrowing the Rawhide lead 4-3.

Blaze RF Tim Rodriquez advanced to first after being hit by a pitch to begin the bottom of the ninth. Matthew Lawson advanced Rodriguez to second on a single to left. Davis Stonburner would come to the plate next and with a sacrifice bunt, moved runners to second and third with one out. Rawhide pitcher Jorge Perez intentionally walked Jonathan Greene, loading the bases with the Blaze’s red-hot Mauro Gomez on deck. Gomez grounded into a force out at second, as Rodriguez scored from third tying the game 4-4.

The ballgame headed into extra innings, and after Visalia’s Brendan Duffy hit into double play ending the top of the tenth, Ian Gac stepped into the batters box to start off the bottom half of the frame and blasted a walk-off solo homer over the left field wall, ending the game 5-4.

Blaze starter Jared Hyatt fanned four in 5.1 innings and gave up two earned runs on six hits and a single walk.

Reliever Beau Jones (W, 1-0) notched a win coming into the contest in the top of the tenth, and with one on and one out induced a ground out to end the inning.

Rawhide reliever Jo Perez (1 IP, 2 H, 2ER, 1 BB, 1 K) came into the contest in the eighth and would be saddled with the loss.

Ian Gac was 2-for-4 with a single, a home run and an RBI, Mauro Gomez had a single and an RBI in four at-bats, Davis Stoneburner went 1-for-4 with a double and an RBI, and Joey Butler was 2-for-3 with a pair of singles and two RBIs.

The Blaze will take a short bus trip to begin a three game series against the Cal North Division leader the San Jose Giants on Sunday at Municipal Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 5:00p.m.

What’s Burning: Bakersfield is currently two games ahead of Visalia (45-48) for the final wild card berth in the North Division. The Blaze is seventh in the league in batting average (.262), tied for second in home runs (87) and fourth in ERA (4.07).

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By Matthew Martz

Visalia staring pitcher Joshua Collmenter held the Bakersfield Blaze to just three hits though six innings on the mound, winning game three of a four game series 6-2, in front of 1,236 who braved the 104 degree weather on Friday night at Sam Lynn Ballpark.

The Rawhide (44-47) ended their losing skid at eight with Fridays win behind a solid pitching performance from Collmenter (W, 7-5), who allowed just two earned runs while striking out nine of the 23 batters he faced.

The Blaze (46-46) opened the scoring in the bottom half of the third when Matthew Lawson doubled with one out and later scored along with SS Davis Stoneburner who walked in a prior at-bat on a Jonathan Greene double, giving the Blaze a 2-0 lead.

Trailing 2-0, the Rawhide stormed back taking a 4-2 lead in the fifth by getting four hits including two doubles off Blaze starter Ryan Tatusko.

Tatusko (L, 3-4) fanned four in five innings and gave up four earned runs on five hits and three walks.

Visalia extended their lead scoring single runs in the eighth and ninth including a Taylor Harbin solo homer of Blaze reliever Hector Nelo (1 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K).

Rawhide reliever Billy Spottiswood (3 IP, 2 H, 3 K) came into the contest in the seventh and shut the door earning save four of the season.

Jonathan Greene was 1-for-4 with a single, double and two RBIs, Mauro Gomez had a double in four at-bats, Joey Butler went 1-for-4 with a double, and Matthew Lawson was 2-for-3 with a double and a single.

The Blaze will conclude their four game series against the Rawhide on Saturday at Sam Lynn Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 7:45 p.m.

What’s Burning: Mauro Gomez leads the club in doubles with 26 and RBIs with 59.

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By Matthew Martz

The Bakersfield Blaze (46-45) rallied for five runs in the bottom of the eighth and climbed to one game over .500 for the second time this season beating the Visalia Rawhide 6-4 in game two of a four game series on Thursday night at Sam Lynn Ballpark.

The Rawhide (44-47) has dropped 13 of their last 14 games since June 1.

The Blaze scored first in the contest in the bottom of the third when Matthew Lawson reached on a two-out double to right and then moved to third on a passed ball. Davis Stoneburner singled in Lawson in the next at-bat, giving the Blaze a 1-0 lead.

Trailing 1-0, the Rawhide took a 2-1 lead in the sixth when Taylor Harbin and Ryne White hit back-to-back singles to start the inning, and would later score on a Kyle Greene two RBI single to right.

Visalia extended their lead in the eighth chalking up two insurance runs on an Andrew Fie two-out, two RBI double to left.

With the Rawhide leading 4-1, Bakersfield added five runs in the bottom of the eighth, starting with a lead off single from Elio Sarmiento who advanced to second on a steal. Matthew Lawson followed by reaching base safely on a walk and both runners advanced on a wild pitch. With one away Jacob Kaase singled on a line drive to center field scoring Sarmiento and placing runners at the corners. Jonathan Greene came to the plate in the next at-bat and blasted a three-run homer to center, followed by a solo home run from Mauro Gomez, giving Bakersfield 6-4 lead.

The Rawhide’s Jeff Dietz (L, 3-5) who came into the game in relief of LHP Tom Layne in the eighth, pitched 0.1 innings allowing four hits and five earned runs, including two homers

Blaze starter Richard Bleier fanned seven in six innings and gave up one earned run on five hits and a walk. Reliever Adalberto Flores (W, 5-1) faced just one batter with a single strikeout; enough to notch the win and Evan Reed pitched a scoreless ninth, earning save 14 of the year.

The Blaze will continue their four game series against the Rawhide on Friday at Sam Lynn Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 7:45 p.m.

What’s Burning: Evan Reed has posted his 11th consecutive save.

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By Matthew Martz

The Bakersfield Blaze (45-45) opened a four game series against route 99 rivals Visalia, by winning game one 11-4, on Wednesday at Sam Lynn Ballpark.

The Rawhide (44-46) who were crushed by the San Jose Giants on July 14, 17-1, have struggled in the second half of the season after spending a majority of the first half of the year in first place in the Cal League North.

The Blaze combined for a total of 12 hits in the ballgame while the pitching staff held the Rawhide to just seven.

Visalia struck quickly with a run in their first at bat, before Bakersfield scored a pair of runs in the first, second and third innings, including a two-run homer from Mauro Gomez, his sixteenth of the season, giving the Blaze a 6-1 lead.

The Rawhide cut the deficit by two, scoring two in the fourth and one in the top half of the fifth.

Leading 6-4, Bakersfield added five runs in the fifth, starting with a lead off double from Ian Gac, who later scored, followed by a three RBI double by Davis Stoneburner, and a two RBI triple from Engel Beltre, giving the Blaze a commanding 11-4 lead.

Blaze starter Kennil Gomez (W, 3-7) returned to action after a three-week absence, giving up seven hits and five runs in five innings, while striking out four. Reliever Beau Jones pitched two scoreless innings, while Tanner Roark and Evan Reed pitched a scoreless frame each.

Rawhide starter Christian Beltre (L, 2-7) allowed eight hits and six earned runs in just four innings, walking one with a lone strike out.

Engel Beltre went 4-for-5 with three singles and a triple, Mauro Gomez was 3-for-5 with a two-run homer, and Mike Bianucci had a double and a walk in four at-bats.

The Blaze will continue their four game series against the Rawhide on Thursday at Sam Lynn Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 7:45 p.m.

What’s Burning: Engel Beltre leads the Blaze with 17 stolen bases and is tied for sixth in the Cal League.

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By Matthew Martz

After starting off the second half of the season 9-6, the Blaze (44-45) traveled to Stockton and managed to win just one of a four game series against the ailing Ports, falling to one game under .500.

In game one Bakersfield were blanked by Stockton (35-54), losing 5-0. The Blaze got off just three hits and gave up 10 in the ballgame.

Former Stockdale High graduate Grant Desme went 2-for 3 including a two run homer in the sixth.

Ports starter Tyson Ross (W, 4-5) allowed just two hits in 5.2 innings, striking out eight batters, while reliever Justin Friend allowed just one hit in 2.1 innings and Jamie Richmond tossed a hitless ninth.

Blaze starter Richard Bleier (L, 5-6) gave up 10 hits and five runs in five innings.

Engel Beltre had two walks and a steal in what would be a poor offensive outing for the Blaze.

Bakersfield would run into another brick wall in game two against Ports starter Pedro Figueroa (W, 1-0), as the Blaze bats combined for a meager two hits in eight innings, and despite a rally in the ninth, fell to the Ports 5-4.

Trailing 5-0 in the top of the ninth with two out and none on, Bakersfield used an error, HBP and three hits scoring four runs and putting the tying run on second. Ian Gac would groundout ending the late inning rally.

Blaze starter Ryan Tatusko (L, 3-3) surrendered four runs in a five-hit fourth and went six innings on the mound, walking one and fanning three. Reliever Beau Jones stuck out four in two scoreless frames.

The Blaze would turn things around as the offense erupted for 17 hits, leading to a 12-3 win in game three of the series.

Bakersfield starting pitcher Jared Hyatt (W, 1-0) struck out nine in seven innings, walking one, and allowing just three runs on six hits. Reliever Ryan Falcon struck out four in two scoreless frames.

Davis Stoneburner went 4-for-5 with four hits including two doubles and a pair of RBIs, Mauro Gomez was 3-for-6 with three singles, and Elio Sarmiento had a pair of singles, a double and 3 RBIs in four at-bats.

The Blaze came out swinging in game four scoring two runs in the top of the first inning off Ports starter Ben Hornbeck. Engel Beltre hit a solo home run to give the Blaze an early 1-0 lead.

But after a scoreless first inning, nine consecutive Ports batters reached safely against Blaze starter Tim Murphy (L, 6-7) posting six runs in the bottom of the second. Murphy was pulled in the second and replaced by Dustin Brader who faired no better giving up five hits and three earned runs in just three innings.

The Blaze added runs in the third and fifth to close the gap 9-7 but it would not be enough, as the game remained scoreless in the last four innings of play.

Ports starter Ben Hornbeck gave up four earned runs on ten hits, in 4.1 innings on the mound, as Jaime Richmond (W, 1-0) be summoned in the fifth allowing no runs on just three hits to secure the win.

Corey Young and Adalberto Flores both pitched a pair of scoreless innings.
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Engel Beltre hit his third homer of the year and Ian Gac; Joey Butler each had a double.

The Blaze will return to action on Wednesday, July 15 to begin a four game series against the Visalia Rawhide at Sam Lynn Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 7:45 p.m.

What’s Burning: Stockdale High graduate Grant Desme hit three home runs in the four game series against the Blaze, and is second in HRs for the Ports.

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By Matthew Martz

Mauro Gomez hit two home runs in a 6-4 win over the Modesto Nuts, sweeping the three game series and placing the Blaze over .500 for the first time this season on Thursday in front of 1,410 at Sam Lynn Ballpark.

For the third time in the series, Modesto (44-41) opened the scoring when Jay Cox knocked in Jason Van Kooten with a one out double, giving the Nuts an early 1-0 lead.

The Blaze (43-42) answered scoring a pair when Engel Beltre singled to start the Blaze first, and two batters later scored on a two run home run by Mauro Gomez, giving Bakersfield a 2-1 advantage.

The Blaze added to their lead in the bottom of the second when Tim Rodriguez and Elio Sarmiento both reached on singles and advanced to second and third on a wild pitch. Rodriguez scored on a balk and Sarmiento came across on a passed ball, increasing their lead 4-1.

Modesto would get within striking distance when Jay Cox hit a two run home run in the third, narrowing the gap 4-3.

Mauro Gomez stepped to the plate in the bottom of the third with two outs and sent a solo shot screaming over the left field wall, extending the Blaze lead to 5-3. It was Mauro’s second of the game and third in the last two days.

Blaze first baseman Ian Gac came up with two outs in the sixth and swatted a double scoring Mauro Gomez, who singled in a previous at-bat to give the Blaze a 6-3 lead.

Modesto added their final run in the eighth when Jay Cox tripled with two outs scoring Charlie Blackmon from first.

Blaze starter Tanner Roark (W, 2-0) struck out 11 Nuts in 6.2 innings while allowing three runs on four hits and a walk. Evan Reed earned save 13 on the year and second in as many days, allowing just two hits, and striking out two to close the game in the ninth.

Nuts starter Joey Williamson (L, 9-1) gave up five earned runs on eight hits, and struck out eight of the 25 Blaze batters he faced in six complete innings on the mound.

Mauro Gomez went 3-for-6 with a pair of home runs, a single and three RBIs, Ian Gac had a double and an RBI in three at-bats, and Jacob Kasse was 1-for-4 with a double.

The Blaze will begin a four game series against the Stockton Ports tonight at beautiful Banner Island Park in Stockton. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

What’s Burning: The win moves Bakersfield over .500 for the first time this season. It's also the latest in a season Bakersfield has had a winning record since it was 53-52 on July 24, 2003.

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By Matthew Martz

The Bakersfield Blaze exploded for three home runs and five doubles beating the Modesto Nuts in game two of a three game series, 10-7 on Wednesday at Sam Lynn Ballpark.

Both teams combined for 23 hits in the ballgame.

Modesto (44-40) opened the scoring in the top of the second when Maikol Gonzalez hit a one out RBI double, followed by a fielder’s choice from Brian Rike that plated Gonzalez, giving the Nuts an early 2-0 lead.

The Blaze (42-42) erupted in the bottom half of the third scoring five runs. Matthew Lawson led off the inning with a solo home run to left followed by an RBI double from Jonathan Greene and the a Mauro Gomez three-run blast, to give the Blaze a 5-2 advantage.

Modesto tied the game adding three in the top of the fourth and then regained the lead by posting single runs in the fifth and sixth, taking 7-5 lead.

Bakersfield’s Ian Gac led off the sixth with a double, as Jose Felix would knock in Gac with a double of his own in the next at bat. The Blaze tied the game 7-7 when Matthew Lawson hit a sacrifice fly to left allowing Felix to score.

The go-ahead run came in the top of the seventh when Blaze DH Mauro Gomez hit a sacrifice fly to center scoring Jonathan Greene who doubled to left to lead off the inning. Bakersfield added two more in the following inning when Ian Gac opened the inning on a solo home run to left and Jose Felix scored on a throwing error by Nuts catcher Wilin Rosario, capping the scoring 10-7.

Blaze starter Tim Murphy allowed six runs in five innings, giving up nine hits, walking only one, and striking out five. Reliever Dustin Brader (W, 3-0) came on in the seventh and allowed just one earned run on a single home run, striking out two of the nine batters he faced. Closer Evan Reed (1.0 IP, 1 H, 2 K) would earn his twelfth save of the season.

Nuts reliever Randall Taylor (L, 2-2) who came into the contest in relief of starter Brandon Durden in the seventh inning would be saddled with loss.

Mauro Gomez went 3-for-3 with a home run, a pair of singles and four RBIs, Ian Gac had a home run, a single and a pair of RBIs in three at-bats, and Matthew Lawson was 1-for-2 with a home run and two RBIs.

The Blaze will close out the series against the Modesto Nuts on Thursday at Sam Lynn Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 7:45 p.m.

What’s Burning: This is the first time that Bakersfield has been .500 this late in a season since they were 43-43 in 2005.

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By Matthew Martz

Mike Bianucci drove home Matt Lawson on a sac fly in the bottom of the thirteenth, as the Bakersfield Blaze edged the Modesto Nuts 8-7 on Tuesday at Sam Lynn Ballpark.

Both teams recorded 13 hits each in a seesaw scoring battle.

Modesto (44-39) opened the scoring in the top of the second when Brian Rike hit a two-out solo homer to center, giving the Nuts an early 1-0 lead.

The Blaze (41-42) answered scoring three in the bottom half of the frame. Joey Butler led off the inning with a walk and was brought home on a two run homer from Ian Gac in the next at-bat. Bakersfield’s Engle Beltre would knock in Jose Felix later in the inning with a line drive to right to give the Blaze a 3-1 advantage.

Modesto tied the game adding two more in the top of the third and then jumped out to a commanding 7-3 lead by posting four runs in the top of the fourth.

Davis Stonburner led off the bottom of the fourth when he reached base safely after being hit by a pitch. Jose Felix and Matthew Lawson both singled in the next two at-bats to load the bases with no outs. Engel Beltre came to the plate and singed in Stonrburner. Jacob Kasse followed and keeping the rally alive driving in Felix on a sacrifice fly to left. Michael Bianucci singled to center scoring Lawson and move the tying run to second. The next two batters would be retired in order.

Trailing 7-6, the Blaze would get the tying run in the bottom half of the sixth when Jacob Kaase hit a leadoff home run to deep center, his first of the season.

The game would remain scoreless for the next 6 ½ innings.

 Modesto had their best chance to get the go-ahead run in the top of the twelfth when Charles Blackmon singled on a line drive to Blaze center fielder Engel Beltre who gunned down Matt Repec at the plate to end the inning.

Michael Bianucci would put the game away in home half of the thirteenth hitting a sacrifice fly to left, scoring Matthew Lawson and ending the game 8-7.

Blaze starter Jared Hyatt went four innings giving up eight hits and seven earned runs, while walking two and striking out five. Glenn Swanson and Beau Jones each threw four scoreless innings in relief of Hyatt. Reliever Ryan Falcon (W, 2-1) came on in the thirteenth and allowed just two hits, striking out one of the five batters he faced.

Nuts starter Cory Riordan gave up five earned runs on eight hits, issuing just two free passes and fanning five in seven complete innings on the mound.

Michael Bianucci went 2-for-6 with a pair of singles and two RBIs including the game winner, Ian Gac had a home run, a single and a pair of RBIs in six at-bats, and Jacob Kasse was 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs.

The Blaze will continue their series against the Modesto Nuts in game two, tonight at Sam Lynn Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 7:45 p.m.

What’s Burning: Ian Gac leads the club with 15 home runs.

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Ryan Tatusko pitched seven outstanding innings on the mound in his second start in six days, as the Bakersfield Blaze beat the Stockton Ports 5-2 on Monday at Sam Lynn Ballpark.

The Blaze (40-42) scored first when Ports starting pitcher Jorge Pena began the first inning by walking Davis Stoneburner, then hit Jonathan Greene to load the bases and Mauro Gomez to bring in a run, giving the Blaze a 1-0 lead.

Bakersfield added two more in the bottom of the third when Joey Butler doubled putting runners at second and third with one out. With Ian Gac at the plate, Ports catcher Yusuf Carter allowed a ball to slip by allowing Mike Bianucci to score from third, giving the Blaze a 2-0 lead.

Elio Sarmiento followed by knocking in a run on a single to left, scoring Butler extending Bakersfield’s lead 3-0.

The game would remain scoreless through the top of the sixth when Stockton (30-52) scored two runs in the fourth cutting the deficit 3-2.

The Blaze would get another break in the seventh padding their lead 4-0, when Ports catcher Yusuf Carter committed his second passed ball of the night allowing Jacob Kaase, who doubled earlier in the inning and moved to third on a sac fly to right by Ian Gac, to score.

Ian Gac would put the game away in home half of the eighth, hitting a solo shot to left, his thirteenth of the year, capping the scoring at 5-2.

Blaze starter Ryan Tatusko (W, 3-2) went 4.2 innings without allowing a hit but ran into some trouble in the seventh, allowing one earned run on six hits. Reliever Adelberto Flores came on to retire the final batter of the inning, stranding the tying and go-ahead runners in scoring position.

Evan Reed was called from the pen in the ninth to preserve the win notching his eleventh save of the season.

Ports starter Jorge Pena (L, 0-1) gave up two earned runs, issuing four free passes and fanning three in just three short in innings on the mound.

Ian Gac went 2-for-3 with an RBI single, a home run and a walk, Davis Stoneburner had a double and a walk in four at-bats, Elio Sarmiento was 1-for-3 with an RBI single, and Jacob Kasse went 1-for-2 with a double.

The Blaze will continue their home stand by starting a three game series against the Modesto Nuts tonight at Sam Lynn Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 7:45 p.m.

What’s Burning: Newcomer Mike Bianucci started in left and drew a walk in four appearances

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The Bakersfield Blaze managed only four hits in a 5-1 loss to the Stockton Ports on Sunday at Sam Lynn Ballpark.

The game would remain scoreless through three, until Stockton (30-51) scored two runs in the fourth when Yusuf Carter swatted a two run long ball to left giving the Ports a 2-0 lead.

The Blaze (39-42) cut the deficit 2-1 in the sixth when Ian Gac grounded into a fielder’s choice scoring Jonathan Greene who singled to lead off the inning.

Stockton would put the game away scoring three runs in the eighth off Blaze reliever Corey Young extending their lead 5-1.

Ports starter Tyson Ross (L, 5-5) held the Blaze to the only four hits they would receive in the ballgame, giving up just one earned run, issuing three free passes and fanning four of the 25 batters he faced. Reliever Mickey Story would be called upon in the ninth striking out one and earning his second save of the season.

Stockton scored two runs against Blaze starter Richard Bleier (L, 5-5) who fanned four in seven innings, and added three more against reliever Corey Young would just went one inning on the mound.

Ian Gac went 1-for-3 with an RBI single and a walk, Davis Stoneburner had a single in five at-bats, Jonathan Greene was 1-for-2 with a single, and two walks, and Mauro Gomez went 1-for-4 with a single.

The Blaze will play the final game of the three games series on Monday, July 6 against the Stockton Ports at Sam Lynn Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 7:45 p.m.

What’s Burning: Low- A OF Mike Bianucci is headed to Bakersfield.

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The Bakersfield Blaze scored five runs in the first beating the Stockton Ports 7-2 in front of 2,900 at Sam Lynn Ballpark on July 4th.

The Blaze (39-41) struck first tallying five runs in their first at-bat. Joey Butler started the first inning rally be knocking in Jonathan Greene with a single to center. Ian Gac swatted an RBI single scoring Mauro Gomez who also singled earlier, followed by a three run homer from Tim Rodriguez giving Bakersfield a 5-0 lead.

The Ports (29-51) would get a run in the top of the second cutting the deficit 5-1.

The ballgame would remain scoreless throughout the next five innings until Stockton scored their second run of the night closing the gap, 5-2 in the top of the eighth.

Bakersfield would add to their lead in the bottom of the frame scoring a pair of runs. Ian Gac hit a lead off single and later came around to score on a Matthew Lawson line drive to right, and Davis Stoneburner clipped an RBI single, increasing their lead 7-2.

Blaze starter Tanner Roark walked a couple and fanned four in a three-inning, one-run effort before leaving the mound in the fourth. Reliever Dustin Brader (W, 2-0) tossed four scoreless innings and struck out three.

Ports starter Carlos Hernandez (L, 3-5) gave up 9 hits, five earned runs, walked one and struck out five over 5.2 innings. Reliever Scott Hodson allowed three hits resulting in two earned runs over 2.1 innings.

Joey Butler went 2-for-4 with a pair of singles and an RBI, Tim Rodriguez had a home run, a double and three RBIs in four at-bats, Matthew Lawson was 2-for-3 with a single, a walk and an RBI, and Davis Stonburner went 2-for-5 with two singles and an RBI.

The Blaze will play game two of the three games series on Sunday, July 5 against the Stockton Ports at Sam Lynn Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 7:45 p.m.

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The Bakersfield Blaze went on a hitting spree posting 13 hits including four home runs, beating the Modesto Nuts 7-3 in front of 5,424 at John Thurman Field on Friday night.

The Blaze (38-41) would get out to quick start when Jonathan Greene hit Bakersfield's first of four home runs during a three run first inning, sending a two run blast over the left-field wall, his twelfth of the season, followed by Joey Butler’s twelfth solo shot of the season, giving the Blaze a 3-0 lead.

The Nuts (43-36) cut the deficit 3-2 after scoring two runs in the second.

Joey Butler would get his second home run in the third, his ninth of the season, putting the Blaze up 4-2.

Bakersfield would add to their lead in the fifth scoring two more runs when Ian Gac hit an RBI single to left, followed by an RBI double from Mauro Gomez, increasing their lead 6-2.

Gomez hit a solo home run in the seventh to give Bakersfield a commanding 7-2 advantage.

The Nuts scored one more in the bottom of the eighth but would come up short as Bakersfield hung on for a 7-3 victory.

Blaze starter Tim Murphy (W, 6-6) walked three, hitting one in five innings but only surrendered two earned runs on three hits while fanning two over five innings on the mound.

Bakersfield relievers Ryan Falcon, Hector Nelo and Beau Jones combined to allow one hit over four scoreless innings.

Modesto starter Brandon Durden (L, 3-4) gave up 10 hits, six earned runs, walked one and struck out one over 5.2 innings. Carlos Luna allowed just one hit over 1.1 innings, but gave up a home run in the seventh. Randall Taylor and Craig Baker both worked scoreless innings in relief.
Joey Butler went 3-for-5 with a pair of home runs and two RBIs, Mauro Gomez had a home run, a double and two RBIs in five at-bats, and Jonathan Greene went 2-for-4 with home run, a double and 2 RBIs.

The Blaze will return home to begin a three games series on Saturday, July 4 against the Stockton Ports at Sam Lynn Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 7:45 p.m.

What’s Burning: Engel Beltre stole his 14th base of the season.

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Lars Davis hit an RBI single to break a 7-7 tie with two outs in the ninth inning, lifting the Nuts to an 8-7 win over the Bakersfield Blaze (37-41) at John Thurman Field.

The Nuts (43-35) jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead in the bottom half of the first but would lose the lead when the Blaze rallied for two runs in the second when Mauro Gomez hit a double scoring Ian Gac who doubled in a previous at-bat. Jose Felix followed with an RBI single that plated Gomez giving Bakersfield a 2-1 lead.

Engel Beltre was hit by a pitch in the third and Jonathan Greene drove him in with a single to give Bakersfield a 3-1 lead.

Modesto would knot the score 3-3 but the Blaze scored three times in the fourth when Mauro Gomez walked to start the inning and Tim Rodriguez followed with a single. Jose Felix moved the runners to second and third on a sacrifice bunt and Jacob Kaase brought in both runners with a single, and later scored when Engel Beltre grounded out short, giving the Bakersfield a 5-3 lead.

Modesto cut the Bakersfield lead to 6-5 in the fourth but the Blaze would get one back in the fifth with a sacrifice fly to right from Tim Rodriguez scoring Joey Butler who walked in a prior at-bar to give the Blaze a 7-5 lead

The Nuts posted two runs tying the game 7-7 in the seventh.

The Nuts scored the game winner in the bottom of the ninth when Lars Davis hit a two out line drive to left bringing home Hector Gomez who reached earlier on a double ending the game 8-7.

Blaze starter Jared Hyatt went five innings on the rubber giving up eight hits, five earned runs, walking one and striking out two before being relieved by Aldeberto Flores in the sixth (1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2K).

Corey Young (L, 0-3) came into the contest with two outs and runners at the corners, giving up the tying run in the bottom of the seventh and then the wining run in the ninth.

Modesto starter Cory Riordan allowed seven earned runs on eight hits in just 4.1 innings before being pulled from the game. Reliever Ching Lung Lo pitched 2.2 scoreless innings as Matthew Reynolds (W, 5-3) closed out the game pitching two innings and allowing just two hits.

Jacob Kassse went 2-for-4 with a pair of singles and two RBIs, Jonathan Greene had a double and an RBI in five at-bats, Ian Gac went 1-for-5 with a double, Jose Felix was 2-for-4 with two singles and an RBI, and Mauro Gomez went 2-for-3 with a single, double and an RBI.

The Blaze will continue the three games series on Friday, July 3 against the Modesto Nuts at John Thurman Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

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Ryan Tatusko pitched a no-hitter until the final inning of Wednesday's 2-0 win over the Modesto Nuts (42-35) at John Thurman Field.

Tatusko (W, 2-2) allowed just two base runners over the first two innings, issuing a walk to the lead off batter and Lars Davis reaching on a fielding error by shortstop Jacob Kaase.

Tatusko faced just three in the third before walking a single batter in the fourth.

The Blaze (37-40) would score in the fifth when Tim Rodriguez singled to center after Mauro Gomez walked earlier in the inning as Jose Felix followed with a single to right and Gomez scored the game's first run.

Leading 1-0, Bakersfield would add an insurance run in the seventh when Joey Butler reached on a walk with one out followed by an RBI single to center from Tim Rodriguez giving the Blaze a
2-0 advantage.

Tatusko continued his impressive performance on the mound, retiring the next 11 Modesto batters in order before walking Wilin Rosario in the eighth.

The no-hitter came to an end when Hector Gomez hit a one out single to center in the bottom of the ninth.

Nuts Kenny Durst (L, 2-7) pitched a season high 7.1 innings, struck out five, walked two and gave up just four hits.

Tim Rodriguez went 3-for-3 with three singles and RBI, Jonathan Greene had a single in four at-bats, and Ian Gac went 1-for-4 with a single.

The Blaze will continue the three games series tonight against the Modesto Nuts at John Thurman Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

What’s Burning: A Bakersfield Blaze pitcher has not posted a no-hitter in 15 years. This was Tatusko first career complete game.

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Welcome back all you readers! I had an article already written, and then July 1st, 2009 happened. The most anxious, frustrating, and yet most fun and exciting game that I have ever pitched in my entire life. I have definitely never been a part of anything like this before, nor have I ever taken center stage in a drama such as this. I am going to attempt to describe you to my day from start to finish.

The 8:00am bus to Modesto was very rough. No matter what you are trying to get up and do, 8:00 am comes very early. When we got to Modesto after a 3.5-hour bus ride, we checked into our Clarion hotel room and got something to eat and just hung out for about 3-4 hours until it was time to go to the field.

The worst part about starting is that when everyone is stretching and getting ready for the game, you are kind of stuck alone in the clubhouse to get your mind right. There’s only so much you can do to keep yourself entertained for those few hours and not get yourself too hyped up or too calm for the game. Pre-game was very normal for me, as I went through my routine and I went over the lineup with pitching coach Dave Chavarria about their runners and power hitters. Warming up, I didn’t feel exceptional and I didn’t feel bad, I just felt like I have every other start and I was ready to go.

Inning 1

Leadoff walk. First pitch of the game was paint on the outside corner of the plate called for ball one. If this is what the game is going to be like for me, it’s going to be a long, drawn-out affair because I believe that first pitch was a strike. Leadoff guy decides he wants to steal and Jose “Chief” Felix throws him out on an absolute strike to second base. Lineout to Jake Kaase and fly ball to Timothy “T-Rod” Rodriguez ends the inning. I go back to the dugout thinking of where that first pitch was and how I need to get command of the corners of the plate to be successful today.

Inning 2

Strikeout swinging on a fastball, error on Kaase, strikeout swinging on a curveball, and a fly ball to right field. I have a little bit more confidence now because that previous corner that was once called a ball was now a strike and I have a good feel for my curveball. This might be an OK day after all.

Inning 3

Swinging bunt played by Felix, strikeout swinging, and groundout to Kaase make for a quick inning, and I head back to the dugout as we are dueling 0-0 going into the fourth inning. The opposing pitcher is throwing the ball well, and I know it’s going to be a battle of who is going to blink first.

Inning 4

Hector Gomez flies out to T-Rod. Chief and I go inside on him and I don’t quite get it in, and when the ball hits the bat it sounds so flush that I think it’s going to go 600 feet, but when I look up T-Rod is camped underneath it in left field. Whew! One out. A walk, a flyout to Joey Butler, and a ground ball to Matt Lawson end the inning for me with a few complications.

In between innings, pitching coach Chavy reminds me that I am “forcing the ball” too much and that I need to stay fluid through my mechanics and keep my fingers on top of the ball and let it move. Don’t try and overdo things, just let the ball work for you, he says.

Inning 5

Finally, I go out with a 1-0 lead and I know now it is my job to put up a zero anyway possible to get my team back into the dugout so they can hit again. This is frequently called the “hump inning” and for some reason it’s the toughest inning for a pitcher because it often determines if you get a win or loss and it sets you up for the latter parts of the game. A groundball to Ian Gac at first base, a groundball to Kaase, and a strikeout swinging get me through the fifth with that 1-0 lead. I’m feeling good that I still have the lead for my team going into the sixth. I look back at the scoreboard and notice that they’ve got zero hits, yet it doesn’t process completely with me.

I always like to joke in the dugout with my teammates to keep my mind off the game and relax a little bit. I find that this helps me because if I am thinking too much about the hitters and where in the lineup they are, I overstress myself and I don’t trust myself as much. Elio Sarmiento and Eric Fry are my go-to guys at this point and we are talking about the differences between Dominican, Venezuelan and Spain-based Spanish dialects.

Inning 6

The first batter hits a shot off the mound and it hits a hole that catapults the ball in the air, and in a Top 10 SportsCenter-esque play, Matt Lawson jumps and snags the ball and when he hits the ground he throws a dart to get the runner by one step. WOW!!! A fly ball to left field and a fly ball to right field end the inning for me.

Yes, I am thinking about it at this point. I mean the scoreboard is huge and in left field and when I look to see the batting average of our hitters, that 0 in the opponents’ hit column stares right back at me.

Inning 7

Now with the score 2-0, I go out. With a ground out to Kaase, a fisted pop-up to Lawson, and a groundout to Lawson, the inning ends with no hiccups. These balls weren’t hit that hard, and there was never a reason to worry about anything. The balls were hit right at my infielders, and as they always have been they were in the right place for me and made the plays look routine.

Inning 8

The inning starts with a 100 mph grounder to Kaase that he makes look so routine. He throws the runner out easily. Next batter, curve, curve, curve, strike three. Now with two quick outs in the inning, my heart is racing to get back into the dugout as fast as I can, and here comes walk number three. (Insert all four-letters words here). Next batter hits a worm-burner of a grounder on a 1-1 fastball to Kaase to get the force at second for out number 3.

Coming into the dugout my mind starts to race about what is going on, and now all of the sudden the people I was talking to to keep things light-hearted now want nothing to do with me. I try for anybody. Sarmiento? Fry? Chavy? Everyone is on the opposite end of the dugout and I am sitting, alone next to the trainer’s kit, trying not to psyche myself out, withy that 0 still staring at me in the face. I begin to think that already this is the best professional outing that I have ever thrown and how I am so blessed to even be in this position right now.

Double play turned and now it’s time for me to go out for the ninth.

Inning 9

I go through my normal pre-pitch routine: three fastballs, two curveballs, one change, and another fastball with the throw down to second, and now I’m ready.

First batter is the leadoff man, a lefty. Curve, fastball, fastball, and curve lead me to a 1-2 count. Chief calls a fastball and I rear back and give it what I have and paint the outside corner for strike three. One out.

Holy cow, this might happen.

Up steps Hector Gomez, who has hit me hard the entire game but just found my fielder’s glove every time. Three straight fastballs bring me to a 2-1 count. If he is going to beat me, it’s my best against his.

Fastball away and the ball gets a little too much of the plate. He makes a great swing on the ball and drives it right back at my face for the first hit.

The crowd stands and applauds the hit, then continues for my effort. It was only 900+ people but to me it sounds like tens of thousands.

Next batter is the three-hole. Now I’ve got a lot of work to do. The no-hitter is gone and there have been plenty of pitchers that have gone from no-hitter to no-decision because they lost focus, mad that they lost the no-hitter.

The three-hole hitter hits a pretty sharp ground ball to Lawson, who flips it to Kaase for the force and the double turn is just a tad late and the batter is safe. Two outs, runner on first, and here comes manager Steve Buechele. Here is the gist of our conversation:

Me as Boo is walking toward me: “Boo, don’t do this to me.”

Boo: “Tuskee, look me in the eyes, and tell me you got this guy.”

Me: “He hasn’t hit me all day. I got this (insert four-letter word). No one else is finishing this but me.”

Boo: “Alright kid, empty your tank. Go get ‘em.”

Me: “Ok, Chief, first pitch curve here.”

Chief: “OK, let’s go. Come on, kid. We got this.”

As everyone leaves the mound, I know this is the most important batter that I will face all night, and yet for some reason I am the most calm I have ever been the entire game. I’ve thrown this guy eight curveballs so far and he hasn’t come within three feet of one. I don’t think he could hit one tonight with a boat oar.

Back-to-back curves put me at 0-2.

A quick step-off the mound lets me gather my nerves and energy to make sure I don’t make a mistake. A curve in the dirt, and he swings for strike three.

The game is over and I feel all the pressure lifted off me. The first person to get to me is Jose Felix, followed by the bullpen. They jogged in from left field to make sure they were among the first to greet me and congratulate me. Every person from my fielders to my bullpen to the coaches not only shakes my hand but gives me a hug and a job well done.

Having a game like this, it isn’t just the pitching but the fielding and the support behind you that makes it all possible. With only seven strikeouts that means 20 balls were put in play that my defense made outs on, which is amazing!

After the game, I get to step back and look at the scoreboard and nothing but excitement and satisfaction come over me and I finally comprehend what I did. Am I mad that I gave up a hit? Honestly not a single bit, I couldn’t care less, my job is to give my team a chance to win and that’s exactly what I did. Any pitcher who gets mad at giving up one hit is crazy; I will take that all day, every day.

But now it’s done, and it’s over. Just like bad outings, you can’t dwell on it because your next opponent is going to see what you did and they are going to be gunning for me more than ever.

The true test is what I do with my next start. Anyone can have a quality outing, but can you back it up with another?

– Ryan (Ryan.Tatusko@gmail.com)

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It took extra innings but the Visalia Rawhide scored two runs in the eleventh and held on to beat the Blaze 6-4, taking two of three games in the series on Wednesday night at Sam Lynn Ballpark.

Unlike the first two games, Visalia would jump out to an early lead in the top of the first to lead the ballgame 2-0.

The Blaze (36-40) would cut the deficit in the bottom of the second when Davis Stoneburner singled in Mauro Gomez, who doubled earlier in the inning, 2-1.

The Rawhide (43-33) took a 4-1 lead in the third, but Bakersfield tied the game with a three-run two out rally in the bottom half of the frame.

Blaze starter Richard Bleier (6 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, 2K), would be relieved by Glenn Swanson
(4 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 5 K) in the top of the seventh with the scored knotted 4-4.

Visalia got a game-winning rally going with a leadoff walk by Brendan Duffy, who stole second base and then advanced to third on a bunt single by Derrick Walker off Blaze reliever Evan Reed (L, 1-1) who would come into the ballgame to start the eleventh inning.

Reed intentionally walked Rawhide 2B David Cooper to load the bases with one out as Ollie Linton Jr. delivered a two-run single for Visalia.

Rawhide reliever Jordan Norberto (W4-1) pitched two innings of scoreless baseball and gave up three hits and walked one in the two innings, but worked his way out of trouble with three strikeouts, earning his fourth win of the season.

Jacob Kasse went 3-for-5 with a pair of singles and a double, Jonathan Greene had an RBI single in four at-bats, Davis Stoneburner was 2-for-5 with a pair of singles and an RBI, and Ian Gac went 1-for-5 with an RBI double.

The Blaze will travel to Modesto to begin a three game series against the Modesto Nuts on Wednesday night at John Thurman Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

What’s Burning: The loss extends the Blaze losing streak to two.