STOCKTON, Calif.— The Stockton Ports (34-53) gave up four runs with two out in the ninth, but hung on for a 5-4 victory against the Bakersfield Blaze (43-44) Saturday night at Banner Island Ballpark.   It was their fourth straight win, tying a season-long winning streak.
 
Pedro Figueroa, who joined the Ports on July 10 from Single-A Kane County, made his California League debut on Saturday and collected his first victory with the Ports.  He allowed just two hits in seven scoreless innings, and also fanned seven batters.  Figueroa went 10-2 with a 3.23 ERA in 16 games with Kane County this season prior to his promotion.  Figueroa now leads the A’s minor league organization with 11 victories.    
 
Leonardo Espinal allowed one walk before striking out the side in the eight.  Mickey Storey pitched the ninth frame for the Ports, and gave up three hits and four unearned runs.  
 
Both sides started quietly.  The Ports offense went on a tear in the fourth inning, as Stockton pulled ahead, 4-0.  Yusuf Carter led off with a solo home run, his second in as many days.  The ball just cleared the wall in the far corner of the Ports bullpen next to the Kinder’s Barbecue stand.  Designated hitter Grant Desme tripled to right field, his first three-base hit since joining the Ports.  Third baseman Christian Vitters then notched an RBI single to make it 2-0.  Shortstop Frank Martinez followed suit with a single.  Todd Johnson then grounded out, allowing both runners to advance.
 
Left fielder Shane Keough then notched a slow-rolling infield single to third baseman Jonathan Greene.  Vitters came around to score on the hit, and Martinez advanced to third on the play.  Martinez, seeing Greene throw to first baseman Mauro Gomez, took the opportunity to score.  Keough was safe at first and collected two RBI.  Michael Richard hit into a fielder’s choice to end the inning.
 
Demse put the Ports ahead, 5-0, with a solo home run to the Black Oak Casino BBQ section.  It was his second home run in as many days and his seventh with the Ports.
 
The Blaze made it interesting in the ninth inning, scoring three runs with two out.  Up until the ninth, the Blaze had just five runners reach base, and none advancing past first.  
 
With Mickey Storey on the mound, second baseman Matthew Lawson led off the inning and struck out.  Shortstop Davis Stoneburner flew out to center fielder Jermaine Mitchell.  Storey then gave up a single to center fielder Engel Beltre, and Greene gained first after being hit by a pitch.  Gomez then came up to the plate and hit the ball a mile high to left-center field.  Keough came running to make the grab and the ball fell out of his glove.  The error cost the Ports two runs.  With Gomez at first and two outs, left fielder Mike Bianucci doubled down the left field line to score Gomez.  Right fielder Joey Butler added to the total with his own double, which made it 5-4.  Storey got Ian Gac to ground out to end the game.      
 
The Ports will face the Blaze on Sunday at 6:05 p.m. at Banner Island Ballpark.  RHP Scott Hodsdon (3-6, 6.06) will take the mound for Stockton, while RHP Jared Hyatt (0-0, 12.00) will be on the hill for Bakersfield.
 
Sunday is also Root Beer Float Night at the ballpark.  The first 500 fans will receive a commemorative root beer float mug, and for just $5, fans can purchase a “bottomless” root beer float.  All proceeds go to the Ports community fund, the Anchor Fund.  Root Beer Float Night features celebrity scoopers, and fans can meet area celebrities like Mayor Ann Johnston, representatives of the Stockton Lightning and Thunder, local radio and TV personalities, and many more.

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