Sixers' Late Runs Crack Nuts 4-2

San Bernardino, CA- The Inland Empire 66ers snapped a four-game losing streak on Friday at San Manuel Stadium with a 4-2 win over the Modesto Nuts. Inland Empire tied the game in the sixth, took a lead in the seventh and added an insurance run in the eighth en route to a series-opening win.

The Sixers scored an unearned run against Modesto (17-24) starter Ryan Castellani (1-3) in the bottom of the first. The Sixers held a 1-0 lead until the sixth when the Nuts finally were able to get on the board against Inland Empire (12-30) starter Alex Klonowski; Omar Carrizales doubled for the Nuts and eventually scored on Dom Nunez' RBI single to tie the game 1-1. The Nuts took the lead 2-1 later in the frame on a sac-fly by Collin Ferguson. Klonowski got a no-decision but pitched well going six frames allowing two runs on five hits with a walk and six Ks.

The Sixers tied the game in the sixth against Castellani without putting a ball out of the infield. A walk, fielder's choice without an out recorded, an infield hit and an RBI groundout from Taylor Ward tied the game at 2-2. The Sixers broke the tie in the seventh when Jeff Boehm scored from second on an unturned double-play attempt. Castellani went 7.0 IP allowing three runs, one earned, on five hits with one walk and seven K's in the tough-luck loss. IE added a run in the eighth when Hutton Moyer doubled, was sacrificed to third and then beat out an attempt to put him out at the plate on a fielder's choice.

Jose Molina (2-2) earned the win for the Sixers with two scoreless innings of work. Eduardo Paredes tossed a perfect ninth to lock down his fourth save. Angels' outfielder Craig Gentry went 0-3 with a walk in four plate appearances in an injury rehab assignment.

The series continues Saturday at 7:05 pm. The contest can be heard live at 66ers.com and 1570 AM KPRO.

###