LANCASTER, Calif. - The Modesto Nuts scored four runs in the second inning and cruised to a 13-6 victory over the JetHawks in Game 1 of the California League Championship Series on Tuesday night at The Hangar. All six runs for the JetHawks came in the bottom of the ninth
LANCASTER, Calif. - The Modesto Nuts scored four runs in the second inning and cruised to a 13-6 victory over the JetHawks in Game 1 of the California League Championship Series on Tuesday night at The Hangar.
All six runs for the JetHawks came in the bottom of the ninth inning. Sam Hilliard launched a three-run homer to right. Chris Rabago delivered an RBI double, Garrett Hampson had an RBI single, and Scott Burcham brought home a run with a ground out.
Nathan Bannister (2-0) tossed six scoreless innings for Modesto to earn the win. The right-hander allowed five hits and struck out one. He did not issue a walk and induced three double play grounders. Seth Frankoff followed with a pair of scoreless frames out of the bullpen.
Joe Rizzo led the offensive attack for the Nuts, coming a triple shy of the cycle. He drove in four runs. Kyle Lewis also picked up three hits for Modesto. Joey Curletta added two doubles and three RBI.
Modesto got on the board with three consecutive doubles in the second inning. Luis Liberato capped the scoring in the frame with a two-out, two-run home run. Rizzo added a solo shot in the fourth to make it 5-0.
Curletta's second double brought home two runs and put Modesto up 7-0 in the fifth. The Nuts broke open the game with six runs in the sixth inning. The JetHawks issued two walks and hit two batters in the frame.
Peter Lambert (1-1) suffered the loss for the JetHawks. The right-hander went 4.2 innings and allowed seven runs on eight hits. He walked two and struck out two. Trey Killian (two innings) and Carlos Polanco (one) each had scoreless appearances out of the Lancaster bullpen.
Garrett Hampson, Roberto Ramos, and Chris Rabago each had two hits for the JetHawks.
The best-of-five California League Championship Series continues with Game 2 on Wednesday night at The Hangar. Right-hander Brandon Gold (1-0) will start for Lancaster against left-hander Spencer Herrmann (0-0). First pitch is 6:35 p.m.
