Winkler Dominates as Nuts Even Series
June 1, 2013 - California League (CalL1)
Modesto Nuts News Release
MODESTO, CA (May 31st, 2013) -- Behind another stellar performance from Dan Winkler, Modesto finished the month of May on a high note with a 3-1 win over the Mavericks at John Thurman Field.
Winkler (7-2) moved into a tie for the most wins in the league after holding the Mavericks to a run and one hit across six strong innings. Facing the second best offense in the circuit, Winkler struck out nine and walked two.
Will Swanner led the Nuts offense, going 2-for-3 with a solo home run to get Modesto on the board in the bottom of the third against Stephen Landazuri.
High Desert quickly tied up the game in the fourth as a deep fly ball from Kevin Rivers was misplayed by new center-fielder Kyle Von Tungeln, allowing him to come around to score on an inside-the-park home run.
Winkler would rebound by sending down his last eight in a row without another hit. The 23-year-old came into the game with the best batting average against in the league, and lowered his ERA to 2.57 which is good for second best. His 75 strikeouts also rank second in the circuit.
Modesto quickly broke the 1-1tie in the fourth as Tim Smalling reach on an error and eventually scored on a sac-fly from Ryan Casteel. Niko Gallego added an RBI double in the fifth to finish off the night for the Nuts.
Landazuri (1-2), who allowed only three runs (two earned) across five innings, took the loss.
Both bullpens pitched well, with Nelson Gonzalez and Scott Oberg combining to one-hit the Mavericks the rest of the way. Oberg nailed down his 11th save of the year, working around a single from Ji-Man Choi by inducing a game-ending double play from Jabari Blash.
Riding their pitching staff, the Nuts (25-29) finished the month of May with a 16-13 record, with a league-best May ERA of 3.40.
With the series now tied at a game apiece, the Nuts return tomorrow with RHP Tyler Gagnon (4-3) set to start. High Desert will counter with LHP Cam Hobson (3-3, 5.40). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.
Tonight's victory was a win for the fans too! All Papa John's online orders on Saturday beginning at 11:00 a.m. will be 30% off with the promo code nuts30 at www.papajohns.com. You an also sign up for Papa Rewards and start earning points for free pizza.
California League Stories from June 1, 2013
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- Comeback Comes up Short, Win Streak Ends - Lancaster JetHawks
- Bako Clobbers Rancho with Big Bat Attack, 14-7 - Bakersfield Blaze
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