San Jose Giants on Deck: Giants Open Three-Game Series in Modesto Tonight
Published on August 13, 2013 under California League (CalL1)
San Jose Giants News Release
San Jose Giants (69-51) at Modesto Nuts (59-61)
At John Thurman Field
- Tuesday, August 13, 7:05 PM
- Wednesday, August 14, 7:05 PM
- Thursday, August 15, 7:05 PM
Probable Starting Pitching Matchups
Tuesday
San Jose - Kyle Crick (1-1, 1.78)
Modesto - Tyler Anderson (0-2, 3.70)
Wednesday
San Jose - Adalberto Mejia (4-4, 3.61)
Modesto - Jon Gray (2-0, 0.90)
Thursday
San Jose - Clayton Blackburn (7-5, 3.62)
Modesto - Chris Jensen (4-7, 4.45)
Broadcast Information
The entire series can be heard live on sjgiants.com with Joe Ritzo calling the action. Radio broadcasts begin 30 minutes prior to first pitch with The Giants Pregame Show. All 140 games this season will be aired on the club's official website and through the San Jose Giants Mobile App.
Giants Begin Three-Game Series At Modesto Tonight
The San Jose Giants begin a three-game series against the Modesto Nuts this evening at John Thurman Field. Kyle Crick (1-1, 1.78) is slated to make the start on the mound for the Giants tonight. San Jose is 13-8 against the Nuts this season, including a 7-2 record in Modesto. This series marks the final regular season meeting between the Giants and Nuts.
Season-High Losing Streak Snapped
The Giants snapped their season-high five-game losing streak with a 3-2, 11-inning victory over the Bakersfield Blaze last Sunday evening at Municipal Stadium. Ryan Cavan's one-out single scored Myles Schroder from third base in the bottom of the 11th to propel San Jose to the walk-off win. Matt Duffy (2-for-5, HR, RBI, SB) hit a solo homer earlier in the contest while Derek Law picked-up the win after tossing a scoreless top of the 11th. Despite the victory, the Giants dropped two out of three games in the series - their first home series loss since they were swept by Modesto in a three-game set at Municipal Stadium from June 24-26. San Jose had an off day yesterday.
Overall Record Race
San Jose (69-51) is 3 1/2 games ahead of the Visalia Rawhide (66-55) for the top overall record in the North Division. Including tonight, the Giants have 20 games remaining in the regular season. Homefield advantage (hosting Game Five) in the Division Series will be awarded to the team with the best overall record that's won a half. San Jose's 26-24 second half record is one game behind the Modesto Nuts (27-23) for first place in the North Division. The Rawhide (27-24) are a half-game out of the top spot. The Giants are attempting to win both halves in the division for the first time since 2009.
League-Leading Pitching Staff
The Giants pitching staff has compiled a stellar 3.71 ERA this season to lead the California League (Modesto next-closest at 4.01). San Jose has led the California League in ERA seven times over the last nine seasons. Individually, Ty Blach is first in the league in ERA (2.95) and tied for second in wins (11) while Clayton Blackburn is fourth in ERA (3.62) and sixth in strikeouts (119). As a staff, the Giants are first in the league in shutouts (8 - tied), strikeouts (1103) and fewest home runs allowed (90).
Harris Powers Offensive Attack
Outfielder Devin Harris is batting .263 this season with team-leading totals of 34 doubles, 21 home runs and 73 RBI's. He's hit safely in 24 out of his last 28 games posting a .304 batting average (34-for-112) during the stretch. Harris is second in the California League with 60 extra-base hits this season. He's first in the league in doubles and tied for fourth in home runs. Harris has excelled against Modesto pitching this season batting .321 with nine homers and 21 RBI's in 20 games versus the Nuts.
Best Tools
Four San Jose Giants received mention on Baseball America's Best Tools in the California League announced last week (voted on by league managers): Kyle Crick (best pitching prospect, best fastball), Clayton Blackburn (best breaking pitch), Ty Blach (best control) and Mac Williamson (best power prospect).
Duffy's Breakout Year
Shortstop Matt Duffy is enjoying a breakout 2013 season. After batting a team-high .307 with four home runs, 43 RBI's and 22 stolen bases for the Class-A Augusta GreenJackets to earn midseason South Atlantic League All-Star honors, Duffy has continued to thrive while in San Jose. Through his first 19 games with the Giants, Duffy is batting at a .309 clip. He's produced five doubles, one triple, four home runs and seven RBI's with San Jose. Duffy is in his second professional season after the San Francisco Giants drafted him in the 18th round last year out of Long Beach State.
First Half North Division Champions
San Jose won their eighth first half North Division title in the last nine years (2005-2011, 2013) earlier this season. The Giants finished the first half with a 43-27 record - four games ahead of the second-place Visalia Rawhide (39-31). By virtue of winning the division crown, San Jose has clinched a spot in the playoffs and earned a first round bye. The Giants will open the postseason on Saturday, September 7 with Game One of the best-of-five North Division Series at Municipal Stadium. San Jose has set a California League record by reaching the playoffs in 10 consecutive seasons (2004-2013). The previous record was held by the Stockton Ports (nine straight years, 1985-1993).
Opponent Notes: Modesto Nuts
The Modesto Nuts, an affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, possess an overall record of 59-61. Modesto is ninth in the California League in batting average (.249), ninth in runs scored (4.8 per game) and second in ERA (4.01). The Nuts are 5-4 in August and have posted a 30-27 record at home this season. 2011 first round draft pick Tyler Anderson (0-2, 3.70) is scheduled to make the start for Modesto in tonight's series opener.
California League Stories from August 13, 2013
- San Jose Giants Homestand Preview: August 16-August 18 - San Jose Giants
- Aerospace Appreciation Weekend: Dick Rutan Bobblehead, Aerosmith Fireworks and more - Lancaster JetHawks
- San Jose Giants on Deck: Giants Open Three-Game Series in Modesto Tonight - San Jose Giants
- Blaze Stifle Rawhide in Opener, 8-3 - Bakersfield Blaze
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