A Not-So-Grand Seventh Sends Nuts to 11-3 Loss

Visalia, CA. - A seven-run sixth derailed the Modesto Nuts bid for a second straight win as they fell 11-3 to the Visalia Rawhide on Tuesday night at Recreation Park.
Austin Hutchison entered the game for the Nuts (28-37) in the sixth inning. A pair of infield singles led to the first run of the inning for the Rawhide (34-31). Later Stephen Smith lined a two-run single to right. After the second walk of the inning, Dominic Miroglio came to bat with the bases loaded and crushed a no-doubt grand slam to left field.
The Nuts had taken the early lead. Luis Liberato smashed a solo home run in the second inning against Riley Smith (W, 3-3). His RBI fielder's choice added to the Nuts lead in the fourth.
Smith tossed six innings and allowed three runs on five hits with four strikeouts and no walks.
In the bottom of the fourth, the Rawhide came back to take the lead against Darren McCaughan (L, 3-5). He surrendered back-to-back doubles to plate the first run. Pavin Smith snagged the lead for the Rawhide when he drilled a two-run homer over the bullpen in right. Stephen Smith lifted a solo home run in the fifth to add to the Rawhide lead.
McCaughan worked five innings and allowed four runs on eight hits while striking out six and walking one.
Donovan Walton added three hits in four at-bats. Kyle Lewis reached safely twice and drove in a run.
Game three of the four-game series with the Rawhide is set for Wednesday night at 6:00 p.m. Coverage on ModestoNuts.com will start at 5:50 p.m. Listen live online on your phone, tablet or PC by clicking HERE.