Anderson Deals, Nuts Hang on Late for Win
August 25, 2013 - California League (CalL1)
Modesto Nuts News Release
LAKE ELSINORE, CA - Modesto built a 5-0 lead through the top of the fifth, and that was enough to withstand a late Storm attack as the Nuts held on for a 5-4 win over the Storm on Saturday night at The Diamond.
Modesto (37-24, 69-62) has now won 11 of their last 12 games, which gives them a three game lead in the North Division standings with only nine games to play.
Nuts starter Tyler Anderson (3-2) frustrated the Storm with a strong off-speed mix, allowing only two runs on four hits, while striking out a season-high seven batters in seven innings. He allowed only two scattered singles until Kyle Gaedele hit a solo home run in the bottom of the fifth. Lake Elsinore added their only other run against him on a solo shot by A.J. Kirby-Jones in the sixth inning.
The Storm made things interesting as Bridger Hunt hit a 2-run homer against Patrick Johnson in the eighth, but Bruce Kern got through the rest of that inning with no more damage done. Scott Oberg struck out two in a perfect ninth to record his league-leading 31st save of the season. He is now 9-for-9 in save chances during August.
Modesto scored all five of their runs against Storm starter Frank Garces (7-9), who took the loss. After a lead-off walk by Tyler Massey in the third, Taylor Featherston doubled to put two in scoring position. Matt Wessinger stepped to the plate and grounded to second, advancing both runners including Massey to home plate. Trevor Story followed with an RBI single to make it 2-0.
The Nuts added their final three runs in the fifth as Jordan Ribera delivered a 2-out 2-run double to double Modesto's lead. David Kandilas followed with a scorching RBI single to make it 5-0.
Story led the Nuts attack with a strong 3-for-4 night, while also adding a walk. In another balanced offensive night, all nine players in Modesto's order reached base at least once.
Modesto will now have two chances for a series win, starting on Sunday night with RHP Jon Gray (3-0, 0.95) on the mound. The Storm will counter with RHP Bryan Morrow (3-1, 5.72). First pitch is set for 5:05 p.m.
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California League Stories from August 25, 2013
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- Giants Hold off Blaze, Extend Win Streak to Eight - San Jose Giants
- Rodgers Fans Eight as Offense Rolls - Lancaster JetHawks
- Late Surge a Buck Short in 3-2 Loss - Bakersfield Blaze
- Anderson Deals, Nuts Hang on Late for Win - Modesto Nuts
- JetHawks Blast Quakes on Saturday - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
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