CalL1 Inland Empire 66ers

66ers Finish First Half with Victory at Modesto

Published on June 20, 2016 under California League (CalL1)
Inland Empire 66ers News Release


Modesto, CA - The Inland Empire 66ers downed the Modesto Nuts 6-3 on Sunday at John Thurman Field to split a four-game set and finish the first-half of the California League schedule on a positive note. Inland Empire was able to secure the win despite walking seven batters, hitting three more and going 3-for-15 with runners in scoring position.

Modesto (26-44) took a 1-0 lead against Inland Empire starter Jake Jewell on Max White's RBI single in the third inning. The run proved to be the only one that the Norman, OK native would allow. Jewell struck out five over five innings of work and was able to work around five walks and two hit batters. He earned his first win of the season improving to 1-7 on the campaign.

Inland Empire (23-47) tallied its first run in the fifth inning when Cal League All-Star Tim Arakawa singled and stole second. Hutton Moyer then notched a RBI single to tie the game against Nuts' starter Carlos Polanco who earned a no decision.

Inland Empire took the lead in the sixth against southpaw reliever Helmis Rodriguez (1-4). Taylor Ward walked and Roberto Baldoquin singled to open the frame. Zach Houchins, who had already doubled and singled in the contest, then mashed a double to the gap in left to give the Sixers a 3-1 lead. Houchins eventually made it 4-1 when he scored on Ryan Sebra's RBI groundout. Inland Empire scored another run in the eighth on Ayendy Perez' RBI double and their final tally in the ninth when Taylor Ward doubled and scored on Baldoquin's RBI single.

Modesto did not go down without a fight. Nuts' catcher Troy Stein tagged an eighth inning homer to move his club closer to the Sixers and Shane Hoelscher's RBI double in the ninth made it 6-3. Sixers' righty Adam Hofacket struck out White with two men on to end the game and secure the win.

Wade Wass doubled for the Sixers to extend his hitting-streak to 13 games. Baldoquin, Arakawa and Houchins all had multi-hit games for the Sixers and righty Keynan Middleton struck out five batters in two innings.

Inland Empire will not play again until Thursday June 23rd when they play host to the Cal League Northern Division first half champ Visalia Rawhide at 7:05 pm. The game can be heard at 66ers.com and 1570 AM KPRO. Tickets can be purchased at 66ers.com.

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California League Stories from June 20, 2016


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