CalL1 Modesto Nuts

Murfee Helps Nuts Avoid Sweep in 4-3 Win

Published on June 6, 2019 under California League (CalL1)
Modesto Nuts News Release


SAN JOSE, CA. - Penn Murfee's strong pitching performance held up against a late rally as the Modesto Nuts salvaged the finale against the San Jose Giants on Thursday afternoon with a 4-3 win at Excite Ballpark.

Murfee (W, 2-0) faced the minimum over the first three innings. He used just 39 pitches in the first four frames in his start for the Nuts (26-34). After plunking a batter to start the fifth, Murfee struck out the final three batters he faced to post a career-high seven strikeouts over a career-high-tying five innings.

The Nuts jumped on Giants (27-31) starter Matt Frisbee (L, 2-4) right away. Joe Rizzo doubled to start the game before Jarred Kelenic drove him in with a single. While Frisbee settled in, the Nuts would get to him again in the fifth. Ariel Sandoval doubled to start the inning, his second extra-base hit of the day. Johnny Adams brought him in with a double of his own as part of a 2-for-4 day. Frisbee struck out nine over five innings.

Eugene Helder added a RBI single in the sixth. Connor Kopach, who went 2-for-5, tripled home what turned out to be the game-winning run with two outs in the top of the ninth.

Ray Kerr, piggybacking off Murfee's start, threw well. He did not allow a run in his first three innings out of the bullpen while striking out four. After getting the first two outs in the ninth quite quickly, he gave up a bloop single before walking back-to-back hitters to load the bases.

Collin Kober (S, 1/2) checked in after that and surrendered a two-run single to Fabien Pena. Peter Maris followed with a pinch-hit RBI single to make it a one-run game and put the tying and go-ahead runs on the corners. Kober induced a groundout back to the mound off Bryce Johnson's bat to end the game and help the Nuts avoid a three-game series sweep.

The Nuts head to Visalia to start a five-game series against the Rawhide on Friday night. First pitch is at 7:00 p.m. Coverage on ModestoNuts.com will start at 6:50 p.m. Listen live online on your phone, tablet or PC.

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California League Stories from June 6, 2019


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