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By Matthew Martz

It’s not hard to do the math. The Blaze rolled into Modesto on Thursday with a six game lead over the Visalia Rawhide for the final wild-card spot in the North Division and after taking three of the four games against the Nuts, left with a nine game lead with just seven games remaining in the 2009 season.

The Blaze (69-64) have secured their first playoff spot since 2001, when they finished the season tied for fifth with an overall record of 71-69, but were eliminated in the second round.

The first game of the series against the Nuts on Thursday proved to be a pitcher's duel between Blaze starter Kennil Gomez and the heralded Christian Fredfrich (L, 3-2), with Gomez coming away with the 3-1 win.

Bakersfield scored first in the third when Joey Butler, who drove in two of the Blaze’s three runs, doubled in 2B Matthew Lawson who singled earlier in the inning, giving the Blaze a 1-0 advantage.

The Nuts (71-62) tied it in the top half of the fourth before the Blaze scored one in the fifth and sixth to extend their lead 3-1.

Gomez (W, 7-10) surrendered just one run in six innings on three hits, three walks, three hit batters and two strikeouts. Glenn Swanson tossed a pair scoreless innings and closer Evan Reed picked up his 21st save with a one-hit ninth.

The Nuts led off game two with four consecutive hits leading to a 4-0 lead in their first at-bat and held the Blaze to just two runs in the eighth, winning Friday’s contest 6-2.

Trailing 5-0, the Blaze began a modest comeback in the eighth that started when Doug Hogan led of the inning by reaching safely with a walk and then advanced to second on steal. With one out David Paisano singled to right moving Hogan to third. With runners at the corners Jake Kasse swatted a double into right, allowing Hogan to cross the plate. The inning ended with the next two Blaze batters being retired in order, stranding two.

Bakersfield starter Richard Bleier (L, 7-10) left the contest allowing five runs in six innings, with no walks and four strikeouts.

Game three took extra innings to decide with the Blaze scoring three runs in the twelfth, beating the Nuts 8-5.

Blaze starter Ryan Tatusko pitched six innings, giving up eight hits and five earned runs with four strikeouts. Reliever Ryan Falcon fanned six in 3.1 scoreless innings, and Bakersfield born Justin Miller (W, 1-1) pitched just 1.2 innings, enough to earn a win.

Behind 5-3 the Blaze pushed across the tying run in the seventh on a pair of RBI singles from Joey Butler and Tommy Mendonca.

With the help of two errors, two HBPs and a balk the Blaze scored three in the top of the twelfth taking an 8-5 lead.

Blaze Closer Evan Reed earned his 22nd save of the season, with a 1-2-3 bottom of the twelfth.

Bakersfield closed out the series with an 8-4 win on Sunday, clinching their first playoff bid in eight years.

The Blaze never trailed in the game taking a 4-1 into the top of the sixth when SS Davis Stoneburner clubbed a two run homer to deep left extending Bakersfield’s lead 6-1.

Blaze starter Tanner Roark (W, 9-0) pitched seven strong innings, allowing just two runs on three hits, a walk and five strikeouts.

The Blaze have Monday off before starting a three game series against the Stockton Ports on Tuesday at beautiful Banner Island Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

What’s Burning: Blaze CF Engel Beltre and LF Timothy Smith have been rehabbing with the rookies Rangers of the Arizona League. Beltre tripled in five at-bats in his last appearance and Smith went 1-for-5. Pitcher Michael Main gave up three hits, no walks, and no runs while fanning two in two innings in his last outing on the mound with the rookie Rangers.

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By Matthew Martz

After losing to the Stockton Ports in game one of a three game series, scoring just one run in 14 innings the Blaze rebounded scoring 18 runs in the final two games increasing their lead to six over the Visalia Rawhide for the final wild-card spot in the North Division with just 11 games remaining in the 2009 season.

The Blaze (66-63) jumped out to a quick start in game one on Monday putting runners on the corners in the first two at-bats. David Paisano led of the inning with a double and moved over to third on a sac bunt from Jake Kasse. Kasse’s bunt landed him on first on a fielding error by Ports catcher Yusuf Carter. Joey Butler grounded into a double in the next at-bat, but was enough for the speedy Paisano to cross the dish, giving Bakersfield a 1-0 advantage.

Blaze starter Ryan Tatusko sat down the first 14 batters he faced before surrendering the tying run to score on Kala Ka'aihue solo shot to left to lead off the fifth inning.

From there it was a pitchers duel throughout the next nine innings as the two team combined for 46 strikeouts.

Stockton scored the game-winning run in the top of inning number 14 when having lost their DH in an earlier double switch, the Ports sent pitcher Derrick Gordon to the plate to bat for only the second time in his four-year career. With two outs and the wining run on second, Gordon swiftly knocked a double into centerfield, off reliever Ryan Falcon (L, 2-2). Ryan came into the contest in the tenth inning and stuck out six through five innings on the mound.

Tatusko struck out a career-high 11 in six innings, walked two, and allowed one. Dustin Brader worked through three innings striking out five.

The Blaze pounded the Ports (57-72) in game two, 10-2 on Tuesday evening the series at one game apiece.

Trailing 1-0, Bakersfield erupted pushing four runs across in the home half of the fourth with offensive production from Jose Felix, Jake Kasse, and Matthew Lawson.

Blaze starter Tanner Roark (W, 8-0) struggled early on issuing four free passes in six innings but surrendered only a single run on three hits while fanning three of the 25 batters he faced.

The Blaze padded their lead scoring a single run in the fifth when David Paisano swatted a lead off solo homer to left, his third of the season. Paisano followed with an RBI single in the sixth increasing Bakersfield’s lead 6-1.

SS Davis Stoneburner led off the seventh with a triple on a line drive to right and came in to score the Blaze’s seventh run of the contest on Mike Bianucci’s sac bunt.

With runners on first and second and two away, Blaze powerhouse Joey Butler stepped into the box in the bottom of the eighth and clubbed his 11th long ball of the season, increasing the Blaze lead, 10-1.

Adalberto Flores posted a couple of scoreless frames before surrendering his mound duties in the top of the ninth to Bakersfield native Justin Miller

Miller induced a pop out to the first batter he faced then promptly surrendered a solo home run to the Ports Christian Vitters before striking out one, walking one and inducing a pop up to end the ballgame.

With the help of Mike Bianucci’s 11th home run of the season and a three-run homer from Joey Butler in the fourth, the Blaze came from behind to win game three by a final score of 8-5 on Wednesday night

Starter Tim Murphy was off to a typical start giving up a pair of two-run homers in the first inning, including one to former Stockdale baseball standout Grant Deseme.

Murphy (W, 9-10) settled things down over the next five innings issuing no walks, nine hits and total of five earned runs in six innings on the hill.

Trailing 4-0, Bakersfield’s Matthew Lawson led off the home half of the fourth reaching base on a walk, followed by a single from David Paisano. With runners at first and second, RF Joey Butler stepped into the batter’s box and for the second time in as many games, clubbed a monster hit that carried to deep center clearing the green monster and narrowing Stockton’s lead 4-3.

Bakersfield took a 6-4 lead in the sixth on a Mauro Gomez RBI single and Mike Bianucci’s two-run homer to left.

Stockton climbed back in it scoring a lone run in the top of the seventh.

The Blaze capped the scoring, 8-5 in the eighth when Doug Hogan scored on a wild pitch by Ports reliever Leonardo Espinal.

Adalberto Flores, Justin Miller and Evan Reed tossed scoreless relief innings, with Reed notching his 20th save of the season.

The Blaze will begin a four game series against the Modesto Nuts tonight at John Thurman Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

What’s Burning: The Blaze will play eight road games in nine days before returning home to close out the season with a three game series against the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes.

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By Matthew Martz

The Bakersfield Blaze has won 12 of their last 14 games including two wins this past weekend against the second place Modesto Nuts at Sam Lynn Ballpark. The back-to-back wins increase their lead to five games over the Visalia Rawhide for the final wild-card spot in the North Division with just 14 games remaining in the 2009 season.

The Nuts (69-57) took and early 3-1 lead in game one on Friday night and despite a modest ninth inning rally from the Blaze, hung on to win 6-3.

Modesto scored six runs against Blaze starter Tim Murphy in just 5.1 innings on the mound. Murphy (L, 8-10) allowed ten hits, walked two and struck out two.

Trailing 6-1, the Blaze (64-62) offense finally sprung into action when Michael Bainucci led off the bottom of the ninth with a solo blast to center, his 25th of the season and 10th in a Blaze uniform, followed by an Erik Morrison double.

After SS Davis Stoneburner was sat down on strikes Matthew Lawson stepped into the batter’s box and tapped in Morrison with a double, closing the gap 6-3. The Nuts would summon reliever Craig Baker from the pen. Baker (SV, 32) retired the next two batters in order, ending the ballgame.

Game two on Saturday turned out to be a pitchers duel featuring Nuts star starter Christian Friedrich, and Blaze starter Kennil Gomez going head to head with the Blaze coning out on top with a narrow 4-1 victory.

The game remained scoreless through five innings before the Nuts broke through with a single run in the top of the sixth inning.

Bakersfield answered back tying the game at 1-1 in the home half of the frame when Davis Stoneburner lead off the inning with a double and came around to score on a Matthew Lawson line drive double to center in the next at-bat.

Gomez (W, 6-10) had a dominating outing, striking out seven, walking only one, and limiting Modesto to a run on four hits in 7.2 innings.

The Blaze took the lead 2-1 in the seventh on a Tim Rodriquez RBI single before scoring a pair of runs in the eighth off a wild pitch by Nuts reliever Sean Jarrett.

Closer Evan Reed notched his 18th save with a hitless, two-K 9th.

Erik Morrison’s two run single in the seventh gave Bakersfield a 4-2 lead as the Blaze edged out the Nuts 5-4 in Sunday’s game three match up.

Modesto opened the scoring when Mark Repec started the second inning with a solo home run to center followed by a solo home run in the top of the fourth from Jason Van Kooten, giving the Nuts a 2-0 advantage.

Bakersfield got their first runner on board in the bottom half of the fourth when Joey Butler reached base safely with two away on a fielding error. It proved to be a costly mistake for the Nuts as Mauro Gomez hit a two run rocket to left in the next at-bat, tying the game at 2-2.

The Blaze got a break in the seventh getting runners on the bases thanks to a couple of fielding and throwing errors from Modesto. Tim Rodriguez knocked in the go-ahead runs and Doug Hogan added one more, scoring on a passed ball.

Blaze starter Richard Bleier (W, 7-9) stuck out a career-high ten in seven innings, walked one, and surrendered two runs, both on solo homers.

Trailing 5-2, the Nuts made it interesting scoring twice in the bottom of the seventh to narrow Bakersfield’s lead 5-4.

Closer Evan Reed (SV, 19) protected a one-run lead for his second save in as many nights.

The Blaze will begin a three game series against the Stockton Ports tonight at Sam Lynn Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.

What’s Burning: Mauro Gomez leads the Blaze with 24 home runs, 4th in the Cal League. C Elio Sarmiento was assigned to Frisco RoughRiders from Bakersfield Blaze on Aug. 19.

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By Matthew Martz

The Blaze completed a sweep the Inland Empire 66ers pushing their winning streak to 10 and increasing their lead to four games over the Visalia Rawhide for the final wild-card spot in the North Division with just 17 games remaining in the season.

The Blaze (62-61) out hit the Sixers 15-6 allowing their opponents to push just a single run across in the home half of the eighth, winning game one 8-1.

Bakersfield drew first blood by scoring when David Paisano lead off the first with a double and later came around to score on a sac fly to right by Jake Kasse, giving the Blaze a 1-0 advantage.

From there it was all pitching as Blaze starter Richard Bleier (W, 6-9) pitched seven scoreless innings giving up just five hits through 26 batters, before surrendering the only Sixers run in the bottom of the eighth.

The Blaze tacked on four runs in the sixth off Sixers’ starter Mario Alverez (L, 4-5) including a two-run single by Davis Stoneburner, and an RBI ground-rule double by Joey Butler. Bakersfield padded their lead with three more in the top of the eighth.

The 66ers (53-70) took and early 2-1 lead in the second inning of game two but never recovered from giving up four in the fourth losing to Bakersfield, 9-6.

Trailing 2-1, Bakersfield scored two run in the third and then added four runs in the fourth inning, off Sixers’ starter Josh Wall (L, 2-8), giving the Blaze a 7-2 lead.

Ian Gac's solo home run in the fifth extended the lead 8-2. It was Gac’s 18th of the season.

Blaze starter Ryan Tatusko (W, 6-6) went four scoreless innings on the mound before surrendering three runs in the bottom of the fifth on three singles, a walk and a wild pitch.

Leading 8-5 with two outs and bases loaded, Bakersfield got a free run in the seventh when Sixers’ reliever Eric Krebs walked home a run.

Blaze Reliever Evan Reed came into the contest in the ninth and served up a two out one run single before inducing a ground out to end the ballgame.

Game three of the series proved to be a pitchers duel between Blaze starter Tanner Roark (W, 7-0) and Sixers’ starter Kyle Smit (L, 0-4) as Bakersfield edged out Inland Empire 3-2 to sweep the series.

Bakersfield jumped out to 1-0 lead in the first and then extended it to two on a home run from newcomer Eric Morrison in the second, his first of the season.

Andres Perez hit a two out solo home run to right in the home half of the fourth to cut Bakersfield’s lead 2-1.

The Sixers turned to the pen in the top of the sixth bringing in left-handed reliever Will Ohman.

Erik Morrison led off the inning driving a double to left, advanced to third on a bunt from Matt Lawson and then scored on a double form Jose Felix, extending Bakersfield’s lead to 3-1.

The Sixers weren’t done as they made things interesting by scoring one in the bottom half of the frame, narrowing the Blaze lead 3-2.

The game remained scoreless in the final three innings with Bakersfield native Justin Miller earning his second save of the year, going two complete on the mound giving up just a single hit while walking and striking out one of the eight batters he faced.

The Blaze will begin a three game series against the Modesto Nuts tonight at Sam Lynn Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.

What’s Burning: RHP Jorge Quintero has been assigned to the Hickory Crawdads on Aug 18 and Erik Morrison was assigned to Bakersfield on Aug 19 from the Hickory Crawdads. Elio Sarmiento leads the team with a Batting Avg. of .344.

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By Matthew Martz

With just 20 games remaining in the season, the Blaze (59-61) pushed their winning streak to eight before dropping the final game of a three game series, and increasing their lead to two games over the Visalia Rawhide for the final wild card playoff spot.

After trailing 5-0, the Blaze scored six runs in the third to take the lead and go on to win game one, 14-5 against the Lancaster JetHawks on Friday at Clear Channel Stadium.

The JetHawks (49-71) opened the scoring posting three runs in the first and adding two more in the second off Blaze starter Tanner Roark.

Roark (W, 6-0) struggled early on in the contest giving up five hits, including a two-run homer in the first, and issuing two free passes to the first 13 batters he faced. Roark continued through six innings allowing a total of five runs on seven hits, walking and striking out three.

Bakersfield posted six runs in the third taking the lead and then padding it with three in the fourth including a Jonathan Greene two run blast to left, followed by four more in the sixth including Greene’s second two run home run of the ballgame.

The Blaze destroyed four Lancaster pitchers and added the final blow in the top of the ninth when Matthew Lawson singled in Jake Kasse, capping the scoring 14-5.

Blaze starter Tim Murphy was off to another rocky start in game two on Saturday night when he gave up a solo home run to just the third Lancaster batter he faced, giving the JetHawks a 1-0 lead early on.

Bakersfield knotted the game in the second before falling behind by one in the bottom half of the frame, 2-1.

The Blaze erupted in the third to take a commanding 7-1 lead scoring five runs including three homers by David Paisano, Mauro Gomez and Mike Bianucci.

Lancaster starter Christopher Salamida (L, 3-1) was ousted from the mound in the inning.

Murphy (W, 8-9) permitted three runs in 6.1 innings on five hits, two walks and six strikeouts, while, Bakersfield native Justin Miller fanned three in two scoreless frames on the way to a 9-3 victory in game two.

Carrying a 2-1 lead into the bottom of the eighth the Blaze allowed seven runs to cross the plate in a late rally that awarded Lancaster an 8-2 win in game three on Sunday, avoiding the series sweep.

Michael Bianucci singled in a run in the fourth to break the deadlock and give the Blaze a 1-0 advantage.

The JetHawks tied it in the home half of the sixth on a two out solo blast to left from Brandon Barnes, his eleventh of the season, before Bakersfield regained a narrow 2-1 lead in the seventh on an Ian Gac solo home run over the left field wall.

Blaze starter Kennil Gomez (L, 5-10) cruised through the first seven innings surrendering just a single run on three hits. Then disaster struck. With one out in the eighth, Gomez (7.1 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 3 BB, 6 K) allowed two runs to come home. The Blaze summoned reliever Adelberto Flores from the bullpen to stop the bleeding with one out and bases loaded. Five more runs crossed the plate before the inning came to an end, two being credited to Flores.

The Blaze have Monday off before heading to San Bernardino to face off against the Inland Empire 66ers for the first time this season in a three game series at Arrowhead Credit Union Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

What’s Burning: Ian Gac hit his 17th homer, and 3B Jonathan Greene singled and doubled. Greene is the California League Player of the Week.

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By Matthew Martz

Bakersfield’s Joey Butler drove in the winning run on an RBI single for the second time in as many games as the Blaze edged the Giants 2-1 to sweep a three game series on Thursday at Sam Lynn Ballpark.

With just 23 games remaining in the season, the Blaze (57-60) extended their winning streak to six and swept the best team in the California League, holding on to a one game advantage over the Visalia Rawhide for the final wild card playoff spot.

The Giants (74-43) opened the scoring in the first but Bakersfield tied the game at 1-1 when Matthew Lawson hit a solo home run, his tenth of the season, to lead of the fifth inning.

Blaze starter Ryan Tatusko (W, 5-6) hurled 7.2 innings on the mound striking out three of the 29 batters he faced, surrendering a lone run on five hits and two walks.

San Jose reliever Daniel Turpen (L, 3-2) came into the contest in the sixth and would be saddled with the loss, allowing the eventual game winning run to cross the plate in the seventh on a Joey Butler two out RBI single to left.

The Giants made it interesting in the top of the ninth when David Maroul lead of the inning with a walk issued by Blaze reliever Justin Miller. Connor Gillaspie then popped out to Bakersfield third baseman Jacob Kaase who gunned it to first, throwing out the Giants’ Shane Jordan. San Jose argued the call that resulted in Jordan, Giants manager Andy Skeels, and hitting coach Gary Davenport to all be ejected from the contest. Miller (SV, 1) retired the next batter to end the ballgame.

Joey Butler went 2-for-4 with a pair of singles and an RBI, Matthew Lawson had a home run and an RBI in four at-bats, and Elio Sarmiento went 2-for-4 with a single, a double and a walk.

The Blaze will travel to Lancaster on Friday to begin a three game series against the JetHawks at Clear Channel Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

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By Matthew Martz

San Jose rallied for two runs in the ninth but fell short as the Blaze (56-60) nipped the Giants with a walk off single from Joey Butler, winning game two of a three game series, 7-6 on Wednesday at Sam Lynn Ballpark.

The Blaze moved into the final wild card playoff spot one game up on the Visalia Rawhide with yesterday’s win, with just 24 games remaining in the season.

After scoring one run on a Mauro Gomez single in the first, Matthew Lawson’s two run double in the second, gave the Blaze an early 3-0 lead.

The Giants (74-42) answered back in the third when Darren Ford took a Richard Bleier fastball deep over the center field wall bringing the Giants within one.

Bakersfield extended their lead by two in the bottom half of the fifth when Jonathan Greene knocked in Jose Felix, who singled to lead of the inning, on a sacrifice fly to Giants left fielder Tyler Graham.

Trailing 4-2, with none out and runners at the corners, C. J. Ziegler bounced into a double play, scoring Thomas Neal from third, inching San Jose to within one in the fourth.

With two out, and one on Michael Bianucci blasted a two run homer to left giving Bakersfield a comfortable 6-3 lead heading into the eighth inning.

Blaze starter Richard Bleier tossed seven strong innings, issuing one free pass and fanning five, allowing one earned run on six hit, before reliever Ryan Falcon was summoned from the Blaze bullpen to start the eighth. Falcon struck out the first batter he faced then surrender a solo home run to Roger Kieschnick, allowing the Giants to get back to within two.

Blaze closer Evan Reed (W, 2-2) would be called upon in the ninth with Bakersfield leading 6-4, to preserve the win. Reed, who has 17 saves on the year, surrendered a single to the first batter he faced but then retired the next two in order. With one out and the tying run at first, Reed yielded a two run homer to Giants CF Darren Ford, knotting the game at six. Reed issued two back-to-back walks before forcing a pop up ending the inning.

Blaze RF Joey Butler stepped to the plate in the home half of the ninth and with one out and the winning run at second, tapped a single into left field allowing Davis Stoneburner to round third and head for home, ending the ballgame 7-6.

Giants’ reliever Wilmin Rodriguez (L, 3-1) would be tagged with the loss.

Joey Butler went 1-for-4 with a single and an RBI, Matthew Lawson had a single, a double and two RBIs in four at-bats, and Michael Bianucci went 1-for-3 with a home run, and two RBIs.

The Blaze will complete the three game series against the San Jose Giants on Thursday at Sam Lynn Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

What’s Burning: Wednesday’s victory extends Bakersfield’s win streak to five. San Jose leads the season series against the Blaze 11-7.

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By Matthew Martz

Two home runs in the bottom of the first propelled Bakersfield to a 5-3 win over the San Jose Giants in game one of a three game series on Tuesday at Sam Lynn Ballpark.

The Blaze (55-60) extended their winning streak to four with Tuesday’s victory and have moved into a tie for the final wild card playoff position with the Visalia Rawhide.

Jonathan Greene’s three run homer in the first inning followed by a solo shot to left from Michael Bianucci, gave the Blaze an early 4-0 lead.

The first place San Jose Giants (74-41) managed a single run in the fourth when Tyler Graham singled in Brian Bocock who started the inning by reaching base safely on a walk.

Blaze starter Kennil Gomez (W, 5-9) managed to pitch himself out of trouble a couple of times leaving six Giants runners stranded on the base pads. Gomez surrendered one run while holding the Giants to one hit, walking seven and striking out seven in five innings.

Bakersfield added a run in the fifth, padding their lead 5-1, when Jonathan Greene singled in Jose Felix on a ground ball to left field.

The Giants started a modest rally in the top half of the eighth, pushing across two runs on a Roger Kieschnick homer to left center field, bringing San Jose within two at 5-3.

With two out, a runner at first and the tying run at the plate, reliever Dustin Brader retired Conor Gillaspie on a pop out, keeping Bakersfield in the lead.

Justin Miller (1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 SO) and Evan Reed (1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 SO) pitched perfect eighth and ninth innings sealing the Blaze victory. Reed earned save number 17 in 18 opportunities this season.

Giants’ starter Paul Oseguera (L, 3-6) salvaged his outing after giving up four runs in the first, facing 21 Blaze batters, surrendering six hits and five earned runs, while walking two and striking out five in 4.1 innings on the mound.

Jonathan Greene went 3-for-4 with a home run, a pair of singles and an RBI, Jose Felix had a single and a double in three at-bats, and Michael Bianucci went 1-for-3 with a home run, a walk and an RBI.

The Blaze will continue the three game series against the San Jose Giants on Wednesday at Sam Lynn Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

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Although we are playing baseball, there are aspects of this game that teach us things that we will be able to take with us long after we are done playing. One of the most important aspects I believe is the ability to adapt to your environment and to be able to get along with people and thrive with people that might not hold the same core values as you, or might have a completely different background. One way that this is addressed is the coming together of players from different countries and learning how to cope with their ways of life and customs and making sure that nothing you do offends anybody.

Having teammates from a different country can be an invaluable learning tool. Not only do you get to learn from these people and learn their background but it can make you learn something about yourself and bring out qualities in you that you might’ve not known you had. Having players from the Dominican Republic , Venezuela , Puerto Rico, and Mexico on your team help you break down cultural barriers.

The 2009 Bakersfield Blaze is a melting pot when it comes to the nations represented, because not only are the “Latins” wanting to soak up every ounce of American culture they can get, but you can learn things from them too. There are many times in the bullpen that we all sit and talk together and the Latins share stories about where they come from, the houses they lived in and how they got signed, and we in turn share our stories as well. In my first professional season, when I walked into that Spokane clubhouse and heard just as much Spanish being spoken as English, it was certainly a culture shock. But when you start to let yourself open up, you realize that these Latin players have it harder than we do. I couldn’t begin to imagine coming to a country where you can’t even order off the dollar menu at McDonald’s and yet they are expected to survive eight months out of the year in a country that they might know little about.

Predominantly I have seen the Latin players trying to learn as much English as they can, and this is reinforced by a Rangers policy of having English classes for them as well. Many times American and Latin players will talk together in a “Spanglish” type language, with each trying to learn the other’s language!

Not only is language a barrier, but simple things like diets, music, and customs are different as well. Latin players have a tendency to be a tad nosier than their American counterparts, and learning to deal with that can sometimes cause friction between ballplayers. Everyone has to learn to adapt to everyone’s customs and tendencies, and that can sometimes be frustrating.

Sometimes the language barrier can have an effect on trying to carry on conversations, but there are plenty of people on the team that speak both English and Spanish that help both sides get along. Some of the most fun that the American guys have is learning new Spanish words to expand their vocabulary, and if you happen to tune your ears to the bullpen it wouldn’t be uncommon to hear the American guys asking the Spanish how to say different words. The players get along for the most part. There are going to be your normal squabbles but that just comes from being around everyone all the time.

When it comes to dealing with the pressures of getting along with people of different backgrounds and cultures, I believe that minor league baseball prepares you in one of the best ways. There are many different things that baseball is teaching us that we will be able to carry with us in the future, but this I believe is one of the greatest lessons of all.

As always thank you for reading, and if you have questions, comments, concerns please feel free to email me at Ryan.Tatusko@gmail.com. Thanks!

– Ryan

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By Matthew Martz

After trailing twice, the Bakersfield scored five runs in the bottom of the eighth and hung on to win 9-6 over the Lancaster JetHawks, sweeping a three game series on Sunday at Sam Lynn Ballpark.

The Blaze (54-60) have rebounded winning three straight after losing five in a row to start the month, closing the gap to just one game for a wild card spot behind rivals, the Visalia Rawhide.

A Davis Stoneburner’s two run double to right field gave Bakersfield the first lead of the ballgame in the bottom of the third, 2-0.

The JetHawks scored three runs in the top of the fourth giving Lancaster a 3-2 advantage.

Bakersfield would knot the game at 3-3 in the bottom half of the frame before allowing the JetHawks to regain the advantage 4-3 in the sixth.

Michael Bianucci hit his fifth home run of the season, and his second in as many games in the seventh, tying the game at four.

The Blaze rallied in the home half of the eighth, pushing across five runs on three singles, a passed ball and a pair of home runs from Davis Stoneburner and Timothy Rodriguez, giving Bakersfield a 9-4 lead heading into the final inning.

The JetHawks (45-69) managed to punch across two in the top half of the ninth off reliever Adelberto Flores (W, 6-2), leaving the tying run at the plate.

Blaze starter Tim Murphy yielded three runs, walking three and striking out four in five innings, while Lancaster’s’ Fernando Abad (L, 2-6) was saddled with the loss.

Mauro Gomez went 2-for-4 with a single and a double, Davis Stoneburner had a home run, a doubles and 3 RBIs in four at-bats, Michael Bianucci went 2-for-4 with a home run, a single and 4 RBIs, and Timothy Rodriguez was 2-for4 with a home run, a single, and 2 RBIs.

The Blaze will have Monday off before starting a three game series against the San Jose Giants on Tuesday at Sam Lynn Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

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By Matthew Martz

When they say the California League is hitter friendly, they aren’t kidding. Coupled with the friendly confines of Sam Lynn Ballpark, the combination can be deadly for Blaze opponents.

The Blaze proved that in game two of a three game series against Lancaster on Friday night, turning on the afterburners and blasting by the Jethawks on their way to a 24-3 win.

The Blaze (53-60) pushed their wining streak to two by pounding out 23 hits against the Jethawks (45-68), scoring runs in seven innings.

Bakersfield took the lead in their first at-bat when Mauro Gomez jacked a three-run homer over the left field wall, his twentieth of the season, giving the Blaze a 3-0 lead.

Five runs crossed the plate in the home half of the second on three walks and three Blaze doubles.

Trailing 8-0, Jethawks’ starter Christopher Hicks got the hook in the second. Hicks (L, 9-8) surrendered eight earned runs on six hits and three walks in just 1.2 IP.

It wouldn’t matter, as Bakersfield pummeled reliever Jose Duran for an additional five runs in the third that started with a Jacob Kasse double, followed by a run scored on a passed ball and an RBI single from Jose Felix. Jonathan Greene continued the offensive onslaught by knocking a three-run homer over the left field wall, number 17 on the year, as Bakersfield took a commanding 13-0.

The Blaze posted a lone run in the fourth when Michael Bianucci scored as Jacob Kasse grounded out to first. Bianucci doubled to lead off the inning and then advanced to third on a passed ball.

The Jethawks once again turned to their bullpen in the fifth, replacing Jose Duran for Ashton Mowdy. With one out and runners at first and second, it proved to be futile as Mowdy surrendered a three run homer to the first batter he faced, as Michael Bianucci drilled one over the left field wall to increase Bakersfield’s lead 18-0.

Blaze starter Tanner Roark (W, 5-0) pitched five scoreless innings on the mound, giving up just four hits before surrendering a solo home run to Lancaster’s Jonathan Gaston, getting the Jethawks on the board in the top of the sixth, 18-1.

Bakersfield stormed back in the home half of the frame pushing across three runs including a solo homer, his second of the ballgame, from Mauro Gomez, before adding three additional runs in the seventh on Elio Sarmiento’s three run rocket to right.

The Jethawks managed to punch across two in the bottom of the eighth off reliever Jorge Quintero (2 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 1K), but it would not be enough as the Blaze led 24-3 heading into the final inning.

Hector Nelo took the mound for Bakersfield to begin the ninth, giving up just two hits in his way to retiring the side in five at-bats.

Mauro Gomez went 4-for-6 with a pair of home runs, a double, and 4 RBIs, Elio Sarmiento had a home run, three singles, a double and 4 RBIs in six at-bats, Michael Bianucci went 2-for-5 with a home run, a double and 3 RBIs, and Jonathan Greene was 2-for4 with a home run, a single, a walk and 3 RBIs.

The Blaze will look for the sweep, as the play game three on Sunday at Sam Lynn Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

What’s Burning: Mauro Gomez leads the team with 22 HR, third best in the Cal League. The Blaze is two games out of a wild card position behind Visalia, who have won two straight, with 27 games remaining in the season.

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By Matthew Martz

The Bakersfield Blaze held off a last-minute Lancaster rally in the ninth to win game one 4-3 and snap a six game losing streak in front of 1,088 at Sam Lynn Ballpark on Friday night.

The Blaze (52-60) faced off against the Jethawks for the first time this season, taking an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first when Elio Sarmiento hit a one out triple and then came across to score on a wild pitch by Lancaster’s Thomas Fairchild.

The Jethawks (45-67) tied the game in the sixth on a double by J.B. Shuck and a RBI single by Koby Clemens. Lancaster then loaded the bases but was unable to score the go-ahead run.

Fairchild (L, 0-2) went on to retire15 consecutive Blaze hitters through eight fullinings, keeping the Blaze off the base paths until the bottom of the frame when the Blaze would regain a one run advantage.

Ahead 2-1, Bakersfield padded their lead with two runs in the eighth when Jose Felix doubled on a fly ball to left to lead off the inning, followed by a David Paisano double that dropped into left that plated Felix. Jonathan Greene hit a one out sacrifice fly to center, allowing Paisano to score from third.

The Jethawks created some excitement, rallying for two runs in the in the top half of the ninth.

With one out and bases loaded, the Jethawks Craig Corrado would get the Hawks within one on a two RBI single to right. With the tying run on third, Blaze closer Evan Reed (S, 16) retired the next two in order, ending the ballgame 4-3

Blaze starter Ryan Tatusko (W, 4-6) gave up one earned run on five hits, three walks and two strikeouts in six innings. Reliever Justin Miller pitched two scoreless innings striking out four, while Evan Reed pitched an unnerving ninth giving up two earned runs on three hits.

David Paisano went 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles and an RBI, Elio Sarmiento had a triple, a single and RBI in four at-bats, Joes Felix went 1-for-4 with a double, and Matthew Lawson was 1-for4 with a single.

The Blaze will continue the three game series against the Lancaster Jethawks on Saturday at Sam Lynn Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

What’s Burning: With 28 games remaining in the 2009 season. The Blaze is two games out of a wild card position.

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By Matthew Martz

The Modesto Nuts swept the Blaze in three games at John Thurman Field, extending Bakersfield’s losing streak to six, and dropping them two games out of a wild card spot.

Modesto scored seven runs in the sixth inning while the Blaze committed six errors including three in four at-bats, handing the Nuts an easy win in game one on Tuesday.

Bakersfield got out to an early 3-0 lead in the top of the first when Jonathan Greene hit a two-run homer to left, his fifteenth of the season.

The Nuts cut the deficit 3-2, scoring single runs in the second and fifth before scoring seven in the sixth, to take a commanding 9-3 lead.

Blaze starter Tim Murphy (L, 7-9) produced another terrible start on the mound pitching 5.1 innings while surrendering seven runs with only three strikeouts.

Trailing 12-4 in the ninth, Davis Stoneburner hit a solo homer, but it was not enough at the Nuts went on to win by a final score of 12-5.

The Blaze rallied back tying game two in the ninth but lost in the bottom half of the inning as the Nuts edged the Blaze 9-8 on Wednesday.

Modesto scored early taking a 2-0 lead in the first before a pair of back-to-back RBI singles from Jonathan Greene and Mauro Gomez tied the game in the third.

Modesto regained their advantage scoring one in the bottom half of the frame and then padding their lead with a pair of runs in both the fifth and sixth innings.

The Blaze rebounded from a 7-2 deficit scoring four runs in the seventh including a two-run shot from Mauro Gomez, his nineteenth of the season, closing the gap 7-6.

Once again Modesto extended their lead by two when Jay Cox Jr. scored from third on a wild pitch from Blaze reliever Evan Reed (L, 1-2).

Bakersfield rallied in the top half of the ninth tying the game 8-8 with the help of a David Paisano RBI single and a Jonathan Greene single that drove in Paisano.

With two outs and bases loaded in the top of the ninth, the Blaze could not push across the go-ahead run, as Nuts reliever Craig Baker retired Elio Sarmiento on strikes.

Lars Davis scored the walk off run on a sacrifice fly to center ending the ballgame 9-8.

Modesto starter Christian Friedrich fanned ten and gave up two unearned runs in 5.2 innings, while Kennil Gomez allowed five runs on two walks, punched out six and surrendered eight hits in five innings.

The Nuts (61-50) handed the Blaze their sixth straight loss moving them two spots out a wild card position, beating Bakersfield 9-4 on Thursday.

After Modesto jumped out to a 1-0 in the first, the Blaze took the lead 2-1 in the top of the third on Jonathan Greene’s solo blast to right.

The Nuts regained the lead in the third going up 4-2 and then added to their lead 5-3 in the bottom half of the sixth and padded the advantage with a pair of runs in the seventh.

Trailing 7-3, the Blaze (51-60) crept to within three as Mauro Gomez hit number 20 of the year, tattooing one over the left field wall.

Modesto capped the scoring 9-4 driving in two runs in the bottom half of the frame, before Nuts reliever Joey Williamson (W, 12-2) had a 1-2-3 top of the ninth to end the game.

Blaze starter Richard Bleier (L, 5-9) gave up five runs (just two earned) on six hits, two walks and three strikeouts in six innings.

Joey Butler went 2-for-3 with a walk, single and double, Jonathan Greene had a home run in four at-bats, Jacob Kasse went 1-for-4 with a double, and Mauro Gomez was 1-for4 with a home run.
The Blaze will start a three game series against the Lancaster Jethawks on Friday at Sam Lynn Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 7:30p.m.

What’s Burning: With 29 games remaining the Blaze will need to finish 20-9 to avoid their eighth consecutive season below .500.

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By Matthew Martz

The Visalia Rawhide swept a three game series against the Blaze at Recreation Park, extending Bakersfield’s losing streak to three and dropping them one game out of a wild card spot.

The Blaze blew a three run lead as Visalia scored five runs in the seventh to win game one, 7-5 on Friday.

Bakersfield struck first in the second when Davis Stonburner hit a two RBI double giving the Blaze an early 3-0 advantage.

Blaze starter Richard Bleier allowed just one earned run, waking one and striking out eight through six frames before departing the game in the seventh with one out and bases loaded.

Leading 5-2, Bakersfield reliever Adelberto Flores (L, 5-2) would be tagged with the loss allowing all runners to score on an error and double.

In game two the Rawhide got their big inning early, scoring five runs in the home half of the second and hanging on to edge out Bakersfield in game two, 6-5 on Saturday.

The Blaze rallied from an early 6-2 deficit, and with none out in the top of the ninth could not push across the tying and go-ahead runs stranding runners on base.

Starter Ryan Tatusko (L, 3-6) allowed six runs in five innings, walking two and striking out two, while reliever Glenn Swanson punched out four in three scoreless innings.

The Rawhide (52-56) swept the series beating the Blaze 6-3 on Sunday, dropping Bakersfield out of a wild card position with 32 games remaining in the 2009 season.

After David Paisano homered on a fly ball to left field on the first pitch of the game, Bakersfield would once again spend game three trying to catch the Rawhide.
Trailing 3-1 the Blaze (51-57) tied the ballgame in the third on a two run Mauro Gomez long ball to deep left field.

Visalia regained the lead in the fifth going up 4-3 and then padded their lead in the following inning capping the scoring, 6-3.

Starter Tanner Roark walked four and struck out two in four innings, allowing three runs in the process.

Blaze newcomer and Bakersfield born RHPJustin Miller (L, 0-1) allowed four hits and two runs including the game winner in just 1.1 innings on the mound.

Joey Butler went 3-for-3 with a walk, Jonathan Greene had a single and double in four at-bats, David Paisano had a home run, and a walk, and Mauro Gomez was 2-for4 with a two RBI home run and a single.

The Blaze will have Monday off before traveling to Modesto to begin a three game series against the Nuts on Tuesday at John Thurman Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05p.m.

What’s Burning: Pitcher Jared Hyatt is on the DL with a muscle strain.