CalL1 Modesto Nuts

Butler Impresses as Nuts Defeat Giants

Published on June 5, 2013 under California League (CalL1)
Modesto Nuts News Release


MODESTO, CA (June 4th, 2013) -- The Nuts were finally able to get in the win column at home against San Jose as they beat the Giants 5-3 on Tuesday night at John Thurman Field.

The win snapped a six-game losing streak against San Jose this season, which included four games in Modesto. Overall, the Nuts (27-31) are just 2-6 against the Giants (35-23).

Eddie Butler (1-1) picked up his first win in a Nuts uniform, going six shutout innings in his third California League outing. Butler, a first-round pick by Colorado last year, limited the Giants to five scattered hits while striking out eight and walking none.

After being shutout last night, the Nuts broke through against San Jose with a pair of runs in the bottom of the third against Kelvin Marte (2-2). After singles by Niko Gallego and Trevor Story, Modesto got on the board as an error by Bobby Haney allowed Taylor Featherston to reach, while Gallego also came in to score. Ryan Casteel followed with an RBI single to make it 2-0.

With two outs in the fourth, Story delivered a 2-run double to put the Nuts in front 4-0. Marte, who took the loss, was charged for four earned on seven hits in only four innings of work.

Modesto added their final run in the fifth as Harold Riggins singled with two outs, but advanced all the way to third on a two-base throwing error by right-fielder Mac Williamson. Riggins then scored on an error by Haney to make it 5-0.

San Jose got on the board in the seventh as Kraig Sitton gave up three quick runs to open the inning, with Shawn Payne driving in a pair with a triple, then scored as a relay throw by Taylor Featherston went into the stands.

But Modesto's bullpen put a clamp on things from there as the final nine batters were retired in a row, starting with Sitton settling down in the seventh. Nelson Gonzalez corralled the big three Giants hitters of Angel Villalona, Devin Harris, and Mac Williomson in the eighth, and Scott Oberg shut the door in the ninth for his 12th save of the year.

Gallego finished 2-for-4 with two runs scored, and has now hit safely in seven of his last eight games. Story and Juan Crousset also had two hits apiece to lead an 11 hit Modesto attack.

After splitting two games with San Jose, the Nuts return on Wednesday in search of their first series win over the first-place Giants. Modesto will have their ace, RHP Dan Winkler (7-2, 2.57) lined up to take on San Francisco Giants LHP Eric Surkamp, who will be making his first rehabilitation appearance returning from Tommy John Surgery. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.

Tonight's victory was a win for the fans too! All Papa John's online orders on Wednesday beginning at 11:00 a.m. will be 30% off with the promo code nuts30 at www.papajohns.com.

Check out the Modesto Nuts Statistics

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California League Stories from June 5, 2013


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