Stockton Torches Blaze Pitching Wins 13-2

The Stockton Ports (3-14) went on a hitting spree and beat the Blaze (6-11) by a score of 13-2 Saturday to take game three of a four game set at Sam Lynn Ballpark.

The Blaze took an early lead on Mitchell Moreland to-run homer, his third of the season in the bottom of the first. From there it was all Stockton as they pounded the Blaze pitching staff for a total of 16 hits.

Blaze starter Michael Main (0-3) was cruising with what looked to his best outing in four starts this season allowing 1 hit, 1 walk, and 2 strikeouts in 4 innings. But it would begin to come undone.

After scoring three in the fifth to take a 3-2 lead, Stockton torched the Blaze in the 6^th inning scoring eight runs. Blaze right-handed reliever Ryan Tatusko gave up seven runs on five hits, two walks, and two wild pitches in just two-thirds of an inning before being replaced by RHP Tanner Roark who allowed a triple that scored two of Tatusko's runners and one of his own. Adelberto Flores was brought in after Roark was ejected from the game on a wild pitch that hit Jermaine Mitchell, surrendering two runs in two innings.

Ports Starter Carlos Hernandez (1-2) gave up only 2 ER on 4H, fanning six and walking only three in 5.1 IP. Reliever Derrick Gordon (3 IP, 2H, 3 SO) completed the solid Ports pitching performance that allowed a combined total of 6 hits in the game, posting his first save of the season.

Bakersfield's Mitch Moreland carried the offense with a homer, double and single. Renny Osuna singled and doubled.

The Ports and Blaze will play the finale of their four-game series on Sunday at Sam Lynn Ballpark. First pitch is set for 1:30 p.m.

What's Burning: Blaze 1B Mitchell Moreland leads the team in doubles with seven.