Swanda, Dufault Combine to Smother Nuts Notching Shutout, Even Series

Modesto, CA- The Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino shutout the Modesto Nuts 3-0 at John Thurman Field on Friday night highlighted by seven exquisite innings on the mound from Low-A West’s reigning Pitcher of the Week John Swanda. The righty from Des Moines, IA and reliever Brandon Dufault combined to complete the Inland Empire (52-51) pitching staff’s fifth shutout of 2021. The victory evened the six-game set at two apiece after Modesto took the first two contests.

Swanda (7-5) found himself in trouble in the first and second innings each time escaping two runners on base with one out unscathed. After Modesto (58-48) starter William Fleming allowed just a one out second inning double to Sixer Bryce Teodosio, Inalnd Empire go to reliever Brayan Perez (1-4) in the fourth frame. The southpaw hit Carson Matthews with one out and wild pitched him to second. Gabe Matthews then reached on an infield single. With runners at the corners Teodosio chopped a ball to short that Modesto shortstop Noelvi Marte misplayed and Carson Matthews scored the first run of the game. After a ground out pushed runners to second and third, Edgar Quero’s infield single knocked home a run making it 2-0. Swanda retired the final two batters of the second and started a stretch of ten straight set down. Swanda allowed just two baserunners from the third through seventh and finished matching a season-best eight Ks. Swanda has not allowed an earned run in his last 13.1 IP. The 66ers added an insurance run without a hit in the eighth drawing four walks in the frame with Cade Cabbiness earning a RBI free pass. Brandon Dufault allowed two hits and a walk over the final two innings to secure the shutout and earn the first save in his professional career. The Nuts were 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position.

The series continues Saturday at 6:05pm. The contest can be heard live on 66ers.com.