CalL1 Stockton Ports

Nuts Overcome Ports with Four Run Frame

Published on August 26, 2010 under California League (CalL1)
Stockton Ports News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Ports (66-62) lost the ground they had gained on Tuesday with a tough 5-3 loss to the Modesto Nuts (66-62) on Wednesday at Banner Island Ballpark.

Stockton's loss, combined with wins by Visalia and Bakersfield gives the Ports a three-way tie for first in the Wild Card, and just a 3.0 game lead in the Second Half standings.

Justin Murray allowed one run on seven hits in 6.0 frames, and Scott Hodsdon picked up the loss for the Ports. Hodsdon allowed four runs (two earned) on four straight hits in the seventh inning. Trey Barham tossed two scoreless frames, and A.J. Huttenlocker tossed a shutout ninth for the Ports. Grant Green and Kent Walton led the Ports with two hits apiece.

After Murray retired the side in order to start the game, the Ports scored their first run in their half of the first.

Center fielder David Thomas was hit by a pitch from Modesto starter Josh Sullivan to leadoff the game. It's the fourth time Thomas has been hit by a pitch in three games. Green stepped up to the plate and doubled to center field. Third baseman Stephen Parker then hit a sacrifice fly to left field to score Thomas and advance Green to third. But Green stayed on third as catcher Yusuf Carter grounded into a double play later in the inning.

The Nuts threatened in the second, loading the bases, but left fielder Scott Robinson grounded out to strand all three runners. The Nuts scored their first run in the top of the third to tie the game. Designated hitter Erik Wetzel doubled to left field to start the inning. Shortstop Thomas Field hit a sacrifice fly to bring him home.

Modesto broke the game open by scoring four runs in the seventh inning. Hodsdon started the inning for Stockton, and gave up a leadoff triple to Robinson. He then allowed an RBI single to Wetzel, before issuing back-to-back singles to Tim Wheeler and Field. The Ports then called on Barham to face Ben Paulsen. Paulsen flew out, and then Barham struck out Ryan Peisel. With two out and two on, right fielder Jimmy Cesario came up to bat. He then reached on a fielding error by Tyler Ladendorf, his second error on the night. Both Wheeler and Field came around to score on the play. Second baseman Joe Sanders lined out to Barham, who made a snappy catch to end the inning.

The Ports came back to within two runs in the eighth inning. Left fielder Kent Walton singled to lead off the inning. Green slammed a two-run shot over the left field bullpens to make it a 5-3 game. It was his 17th home run of the year. But the Ports would be retired in order from there to end the game.

Huttenlocker tossed the ninth for the Ports. After getting Wheeler to fly out, he gave up a single to Field. Field took second on a balk call while Paulsen was batting. Ports manager Steve Scarsone went out to argue the call, and was ejected by base umpire Jacob Danielson. Paulsen flew out and Peisel struck out swinging to end the inning.

The Ports and Nuts will play the rubber match of the three-game series on Thursday at 7:05 PM at Banner Island Ballpark. LHP Ian Kroll (1-0, 5.40) will start for Stockton, while RHP Parker Frazier (1-2, 4.09) will take the mound for Modesto. Fans can follow the game live on KWSX 1280 AM or on stocktonports.com.

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California League Stories from August 26, 2010


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