Rizzo's Double Gives Nuts 2-0 Start
April 6, 2019 - California League (CalL1)
Modesto Nuts News Release
LANCASTER, CA. - Joe Rizzo delivered the game-winning double in the Modesto Nuts' marathon 11-8 win over the Lancaster JetHawks on Friday night.
After giving up a four-run lead in the middle innings, the Nuts (2-0) found themselves tied at eight in the eleventh inning. Braxton Lorenzini (L, 0-1) surrendered a looping fly ball into shallow left that Cal Raleigh read perfectly from second base. Raleigh was able to score without a throw to put the Nuts in front of the JetHawks (0-2) for good.
From there, the Nuts added two more unearned runs on a throwing error and a passed ball.
In the bottom of the eleventh, Jake Haberer (W, 1-0) was working in his second inning of relief. With two out and the tying run at the plate, Luis Castro smoked a line drive into center field. Luis Liberato was able to track it down on the warning track just in front of the wall.
Ariel Sandoval and Jack Larsen each recorded a pair of RBI doubles in the second inning to put the Nuts in front early. Larsen would add another RBI when he smacked a sixth-inning solo home run.
Liberato added to the Nuts lead in the third with a two-run shot. Liberato finished the game going 3-for-5 with two runs scored. Eugene Helder added a two-run homer in the fifth.
Ian McKinney made the start for the Nuts. He retired the first eight he faced. He was knocked out in the fifth on a two-run triple by Matt McLaughlin. McKinney's first start in the Mariners system went 4.2 innings with four strikeouts and no walks.
Reggie McClain worked 3.1 innings out of the Nuts' bullpen with four strikeouts and no walks.
The Nuts eye a series win in game three of a four-game series in Lancaster against the JetHawks on Saturday night at The Hanger. First pitch is at 6:05 p.m. Coverage on ModestoNuts.com will start at 5:50 p.m. Listen live online on your phone, tablet or PC.
California League Stories from April 6, 2019
- 'Hawks Lose Another Extra-Inning Affair - Lancaster JetHawks
- Storm Shuts Down Sixers 4-0 - Inland Empire 66ers
- Rawhide Get First Win of 2019 in Walk-Off Fasion - Visalia Rawhide
- Rizzo's Double Gives Nuts 2-0 Start - Modesto Nuts
- Quakes Edge Ports 4-3, Even Series - Stockton Ports
- Lancaster loses 11-inning affair in first Copa de la Diversion game - Lancaster JetHawks
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