Giants Swept In Modesto After 4-0 Loss
April 10, 2008 - California League (CalL1)
San Jose Giants News Release
The Modesto Nuts scored four runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to defeat the San Jose Giants 4-0 and a complete a three-game sweep on Wednesday night at John Thurman Field. The Nuts took advantage of three Giants errors in the decisive eighth inning to break a scoreless tie and claim the victory. With the loss, San Jose finished their season-opening seven-game road trip with a 4-3 record.
The Giants are now no longer in the top spot in the First Half North Division for the first time since April 28, 2005 - a span of 206 consecutive days. San Jose has won the last three First Half titles in the North Division, including going wire-to-wire in both the 2006 and 2007 seasons.
With the contest scoreless, Modesto's Cole Garner started the eighth inning rally by drawing a one-out walk while facing reliever Wilmin Rodriguez (0-1). Rodriguez then walked Matt Repec to put runners on first and second and prompt a pitching change as Ryan Shaver was summoned from the bullpen. Shaver induced the next hitter, Travis Becktel, to hit a sharp ground ball to Sharlon Schoop, but the Giants shortstop mishandled the ball for an error and Garner raced around third with the go-ahead run.
Anthony Jackson followed by reaching on a fielding error committed by second baseman Juan Ciriaco to load the bases and then Geoff Strickland bounced out to shortstop plating Repec with the second run of the frame. Michael McKenry was up next and the Nuts catcher grounded a ball to third base that was misplayed by Ryan Rohlinger for the third error of the inning. The error allowed Becktel to score for a 3-0 Modesto advantage.
Mike Paulk then blooped a double down the left field line to plate Jackson with the fourth and final run of the inning.
Giants starter Kevin Pucetas worked six scoreless innings to begin the game yielding just two singles. Pucetas, who retired 17 of the 20 batters he faced, struck out four and did not walk a batter during his 80-pitch outing.
San Jose's best opportunity to score came in the top of the fourth inning against Nuts starter Aseury Rodriguez. Mike McBryde and Tyler Graham both singled to start the frame putting runners at first and second. But Ryan Rohlinger followed by popping up a sacrifice bunt attempt for the first out and McBryde was promptly doubled off second base on the play. Rodriguez then struck out Brett Pill to end the threat.
Rodriguez struck out eight batters with no walks over six scoreless innings for Modesto. He allowed just three hits before three Nuts relievers combined to keep the Giants off the scoreboard over the final three innings.
Notes: The Giants have not scored a run in 26 consecutive innings ... Rodriguez (1 1/3 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 1 SO) and Shaver (2/3 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 SO) both pitched out of the San Jose bullpen ... The Giants committed five errors - all by infielders ... San Jose hitters struck out 34 times in the three-game series ... Pill was ejected from the game by home plate umpire Scott Mahoney in the seventh inning for arguing ball and strikes ... Graham (2-for-3, SB) and Bobby Felmy (2-for-3, 2B) both finished with multiple-hit games for the Giants ... San Jose out-hit Modesto by a 6-4 margin ... Pucetas has compiled a 1.64 ERA (2 ER/11.0 IP) through his first two starts of the season.
On Deck: The Giants open their 2008 home schedule Thursday night with the first of four games against the Bakersfield Blaze. First pitch at Municipal Stadium is scheduled for 7:00 P.M. Festivities at the ballpark include a pre-game championship ring ceremony, 2008 Magnet Schedule giveaway courtesy of AIG, KRTY broadcasting live, the return of Gigante and much more. Plus, don't miss a spectacular fireworks show presented by State Farm. General admission tickets are still available and can be purchased by calling (408)297-1435 or visiting www.sjgiants.com.
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California League Stories from April 10, 2008
- Giants Drop Home-Opener To Bakersfield, 4-3 - San Jose Giants
- Big Bats Come Out to Play as JetHawks Power their Way to Home Win - Lancaster JetHawks
- Go Green Weekend - Lake Elsinore Storm
- Bakersfield Blaze at Giants, April 10-13 - San Jose Giants
- Giants Swept In Modesto After 4-0 Loss - San Jose Giants
- Quakes Lose To High Desert 3-1 - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
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