Stockton Falls To Modesto, 6-5
July 7, 2010 - California League (CalL1)
Stockton Ports News Release
The Stockton Ports (37-46) staged a late rally in the seventh rally, and then blew the lead in the ninth inning, falling 6-5 to the Modesto Nuts (44-39) on Tuesday night at Banner Island Ballpark. Modesto won the series, and the Ports fell to 6-7 in the second half.
The Ports collected 10 hits in the game, including five straight hits in the seventh. Tyler Ladendorf, Kent Walton and Ramon Soto each had two hits in the game, and David Thomas collected two RBI. Trey Barham picked up the loss for the Ports, his first, and Paul Smyth collected his seventh blown save. Kurt Yacko picked up the win, and Adam Jorgenson had his 18th save on the year on Tuesday.
Ports starter Fabian Williamson kept the Modesto Nuts scoreless in the first two innings before giving up a run in the third. Right fielder David Christensen, Modesto's ninth hitter, walked to lead off the third inning. He advanced to second as center fielder Tim Wheeler was hit by a pitch. Christensen scored on an RBI single by catcher Jordan Pacheco.
The Nuts added another run in the fourth inning. With one out, designated hitter Michael Zuanch walked. Williamson then struck out Radames Nazario, and before walking Christensen again. The Ports then called on right-handed pitcher Kenny Smalley to face left fielder Scott Robinson. Robinson hit an RBI single to drive home Zuanich. Smalley ran into a bit of trouble in the top of the fifth, loading the bases on a fielder's choice and two walks, but he struck out Nazario to get out of the jam.
The Ports made it 2-1 in the bottom of the fifth. Stockton shortstop Ladendorf doubled down the left field line to lead things off. He came around to score on a double to center field by left fielder Walton.
Modesto pulled ahead 3-1 in the top of the sixth. Christensen doubled to left field to lead things off. Robinson hit a sac bunt to advance the runner. Wheeler then reached on a fielder's choice he hit toward shortstop. Ladendorf fielded the ball, throwing it to Ports catcher Soto to help put out Christensen. Soto threw the ball to third baseman Stephen Parker, attempting to get Christensen out in the run down along the third base path. Parker missed the catch, so Christensen scored on the error, and Wheeler made it safely to second. Pacheco then flew out to end the inning.
Modesto took a 4-1 lead in the seventh inning. With two out, third baseman Joe Sanders walked. He stole second while Zuanich was batting. Zuanich slammed a single to right-center field to bring Sanders home.
But the Ports, who had been held to just four hits in the first six innings, brought out the lumber in the seventh. Ladendorf, Johnson and Walton hit back-to-back-to-back singles to load the bases. Soto then singled to bring home Ladendorf for the second Ports run of the game. Thomas stepped up to the plate and doubled to right field to score two more runs and tie the game. Second baseman Brandon Pinckney then hit a sacrifice fly to center field, which brought home Soto, and gave the Ports their first and only lead of the game. The next two Ports batters walked to load the bases with one out. But Jeremy Barfield and Ladendorf both flew out to end the frame.
The Ports then brought in southpaw Barham to face Modesto, and he pitched a 1-2-3 eighth inning to hold the Nuts and maintain the 5-4 Stockton lead.
But Modesto's offense wasn't finished yet. Pacheco and Ben Paulsen hit back-to-back singles to start things off in the top of the ninth. The Ports then brought in closer Smyth. He got shortstop Thomas Field to strike out looking. Modesto then pinch hit Jimmy Cesario for Sanders. Cesario hit into a fielder's choice which put out Paulsen at second. With runners on the corners and two out, Zuanich stepped up to the plate. Zuanich hit the ball to Ladendorf. The ball glanced up off his glove and Pacheco scored from third on Ladendorf's fielding error to tie the game, 5-5. Cesario and Zuanich were safe at the corners.
Ryan Peisel then came into the game to pinch hit for Nazario. With Peisel at the plate, Zuanich made a move to steal second. Smyth threw the ball to second baseman Pinckney, who could have tagged Zuanich out in a run down. But then Cesario made a move to home, and Pinckney threw the ball wildly to Soto to try to prevent Cesario from scoring. Cesario safely stole home, and Zuanich took second base. Zuanich made it to third on a wild pitch by Smyth while Peisel was still batting. Pesiel flew out to Walton in left field to end the inning and the Modesto threat.
The Ports headed to the bottom of the ninth looking for a swift rally. Nuts reliever Adam Jorgenson retired the first two batters before giving up a single to Parker. Mike Spina then flew out to left field to end the game.
Stockton will take on rival San Jose at Banner Island Ballpark for the next three games. RHP Shawn Haviland (6-5, 4.15) will start for Stockton, while LHP Eric Surkamp (3-1, 3.49) will take the hill for San Jose in Wednesday's 7:05 PM PST game.
California League Stories from July 7, 2010
- Rawhide Rally To Win 7-5 - High Desert Mavericks
- Quakes Blank JetHawks 5-0 - Lancaster JetHawks
- Rawhide Host Cow Appreciation Day - Visalia Rawhide
- San Jose Giants at Stockton Ports July 7-9 - San Jose Giants
- Giants Drop Series Finale To Blaze, 9-7 - San Jose Giants
- Stockton Falls To Modesto, 6-5 - Stockton Ports
- Late Home Runs Sink Lancaster - Lancaster JetHawks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
