Bakersfield Train Robbers Cruise Past Lancaster 20-7

July 11 2023 The Bakersfield Train Robbers defeated the Lancaster Sound Breakers 20-7 after collecting 16 hits at Sam Lynn Ballpark. Bakersfield and Lancaster traded three-run first innings, but the Train Robbers took control with four runs in the third and two more in the fourth to lead 9-5. Bakersfield added two runs in each of the fifth through seventh innings and broke the game open with five in the eighth.

Blake Vandiver led Bakersfield with three hits, four runs, two RBI and three walks, including a home run. Rick Phillips added two hits, four runs and three RBI with his ninth homer of the season. Seth Strong went 3-for-5 with two RBI and three runs, while S. Goodwin and Chris Jones each drove in two runs. Bakersfield also received home runs from Goodwin and Phillips.

Lancaster finished with 13 hits, led by two-hit efforts from Cal Bocchino, Kyle Jenkins, Evan Antonellis, Nate Duarte and Manuel Ochoa. Antonellis hit his 12th home run and drove in two runs, while Bocchino also contributed two RBI. Lancaster scored twice in the first, twice in the fourth, once in the eighth and once in the ninth.

Ruben Portillo earned the win for Bakersfield after allowing five runs on eight hits in seven innings with four walks and three strikeouts. Hunter Adams and Relly Mercurio each worked one inning in relief. AJ Chacon took the loss for Lancaster, surrendering nine runs in four innings, while Joe Richter allowed four runs in two innings.