Sports stats



CalL1 Modesto Nuts

Bullpen Can't Hold Late Lead in Loss to Giants

July 2, 2013 - California League (CalL1)
Modesto Nuts News Release


MODESTO, CA (July 1st, 2013) -- The Nuts took a 2-0 lead into the seventh inning, but the Giants outscored Modesto 5-1 the rest of the way for a 5-3 victory on Monday night at John Thurman Field.

After five shutout innings from Eddie Butler, and a scoreless sixth from Geoff Parker, Giants designated-hitter Ricky Oropesa led off the seventh with a double against Parker. He would eventually score in the inning on an RBI groundout by Jeff Arnold, spitting a 2-0 Modesto lead in half. San Jose later loaded the bases in the inning, but Nelson Gonzalez came in from the bullpen and struck out Brock Bond to keep the Nuts ahead.

San Jose quickly struck against Gonzalez in the eighth though, with Chris Lofton leading off with a booming triple. After a sac-fly by Mac Williamson tied the game, Oropesa hit a titanic solo home run to give the Giants their first lead of the night. San Jose added two unearned runs against Gonzalez in the ninth to take a 5-2 advantage.

Gonzalez (3-5), who has now given up eight home runs this season, took the loss.

Stephen Harrold worked a perfect seventh for the Giants, but struggled with his command in the eighth walking two batters with two down in the inning. Jose Casilla came on and got San Jose out of trouble by striking out Will Swanner.

Modesto made things interesting in the bottom of the ninth as Harold Riggins hit a solo home run against Bryce Bandilla, and David Kandilas tripled with two outs, but the rally was stopped there as Bandilla recorded his fifth save of the year. Harrold (2-0) was credited with the win.

The Nuts jumped out to an early 2-0 advantage in the bottom of the first against Giants starter Edwin Escobar as Tim Smalling doubled, and Taylor Featherston singled, with both coming around to score on a fielding-error by Travious Relaford. That's all Modesto would manage against Escobar in six innings, who worked around led off doubles by Trevor Story and Ryan Casteel to stay out of further trouble.

Modesto went 1-for-11 with runners in scoring position.

The defeat was only the third for the Nuts (41-41) in the second half, with the club falling to 9-3. Modesto will look to get back on track in the second game of the series tomorrow, with RHP Tyler Gagnon (6-6, 6.17) set to face Giants RHP Austin Fleet (4-1, 3.55). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.

Check out the Modesto Nuts Statistics



California League Stories from July 2, 2013


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central