Erik Bedard slows down the Blaze; Quakes win 3-1

RANCHO CUCAMONGS -- Erik Bedard made his second rehab start for the Quakes and he pitched a solid six innings in the Quakes 3-1 win over the Bakersfield Blaze (Mariners) on Saturday night at LoanMart Field. The Quakes won their fourth straight game and eleventh straight at home.

Bedard made just 70 pitches in his six innings, none over 85 MPH. Bedard gave up just one run, four hits, and struck out five. Victor Araujo pitched two scoreless innings and Rob Rogers pitched the ninth to pick up his second save of the season.

Bedard said after the game he will make his next start for the Quakes next Thursday or Friday in Lancaster.

The Quakes scored their first two runs in the first inning. Travis Witherspoon singled and stole second base. Kyle Farmer singled in Witherspoon and took second on the throw home. Cody Bellinger continued to swing the bat well as he doubled home Farmer.

The Blaze scored in the third inning, Justin Seager (Cory's brother) singled and Martin Peguero followed with a single to put runners on first and second. A sacrifice bunt moved the runners over and then a sacrifice fly scored Seager.

The Quakes would score again in the sixth inning. Bellinger and Joey Curletta singled to put runners on first and second. Then something you don't see often, two balks during one plate appearance, the second scoring Bellinger.

The fast-paced game was played in two hours and nine minutes and had a good crowd of 3,609 who enjoyed a fireworks show after the game.