CalL1 Stockton Ports

Ports Defeat Nuts, 8-4

Published on August 25, 2010 under California League (CalL1)
Stockton Ports News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. - The Stockton Ports (66-61) gained a game in both the second half standings and in the wild card race, enjoying sole possession of first place in both races, following an 8-4 win against the Modesto Nuts (65-62) on Tuesday at Banner Island Ballpark.

Stockton is now 4.0 games ahead of Bakersfield in the second half standings, following a Bakersfield loss on Tuesday. Visalia also lost on Tuesday, along with Modesto, breaking the three-way tie for first in the wild card with Stockton, and giving the Ports a 1.0 game lead in the wild card.

Southpaw Ben Hornbeck picked up the win, allowing two unearned runs on four hits in 5.0 innings. Mike Hart tossed two shutout innings for his first save on the year. Jeremy Barfield and Stephen Parker both homered in the game to help lead the team to victory.

The Ports took an early 1-0 lead in the first inning. Center fielder David Thomas was hit by a pitch to start the game. The next two Stockton batters flew out, but then first baseman Mike Spina singled to put two on. Catcher Yusuf Carter then singled to center field to drive home Thomas.

Modesto tied the game up in the top of the second. With one out, designated hitter Michael Zuanich doubled to left field to get things rolling. Then third baseman Ryan Peisel stepped up to the plate. He hit the ball toward third and Parker made a diving catch to grab the ball. He threw it to Spina, but the throw pulled Spina off the bag. The error allowed runners to be safe on the corners with one out. Catcher Johnny Bowden then hit a sacrifice fly to bring home Zuanich. Hornbeck struck out David Christensen to end the frame.

The Ports answered by scoring four quick runs in the second. With two out, Kent Walton doubled to left field. He came around to score as Thomas doubled to right field. Shortstop Grant Green then reached on an error by second baseman Erik Wetzel, as the ball just went through Wetzel's legs. Thomas scored on the play to make it 3-1 in favor of the Ports. Stephen Parker then slammed a triple down the right field line to score Green. Spina kept the offense rolling with an RBI single to give the Ports a 5-1 lead.

Stockton added a run in each of the third and fourth frames, on solo home runs. Barfield hit his 13th homer of the year in the third inning, and Parker collected his 19th in the fourth.

In the top of the fifth, the Nuts collected their second run of the game to make it a 7-2 ballgame. Wetzel reached first on a fielding error by Spina. He stole second as left fielder Jimmy Cesario struck out. Wetzel took third on a passed ball while Field was batting. Field walked on a wild pitch, which also allowed Wetzel to score.

Modesto added another run on an RBI single by center fielder Scott Robinson in the sixth inning, and Cesario hit a solo home run in the seventh inning to make it 7-4.

The Ports added an insurance run in the eighth inning. Barfield walked with one out, and came around to score on an RBI single by Todd Johnson.

Hart retired the Nuts in order in the ninth to preserve the 8-4 lead.

The Ports will take on the Nuts in Game 2 of the series on Wednesday at 7:05 PM PST at Banner Island Ballpark. RHP Justin Murray (10-4, 3.52) will take the hill for Stockton, while RHP Josh Sullivan (1-2, 6.91) will start for Modesto. Fans can follow the game live on KWSX 1280 AM or the live audio stream on www.stocktonports.com.

Check out the Stockton Ports Statistics

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California League Stories from August 25, 2010


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