First-Inning Lightening Send Nuts to 8-3 Loss

Lake Elsinore, CA. - A seven-run first inning proved to be too big of a hole to climb out of as the Modesto Nuts fell 8-3 to the Lake Elsinore Storm on Thursday night at The Diamond.
It took seven batters for Nuts (39-59; 9-19) starter Reggie McClain (L, 3-8) to record his first out. McClain hit Edward Olivares to start the first before the Storm (47-51; 13-15) rattled off five straight singles leading to four first-inning runs. Allen Córdoba added a RBI fielder's when he beat out a potential inning-ending double play ball. Nate Easley capped the seven-run first with a two-run homer down the left field line.
McClain bounced back and recorded two perfect innings on his way to completing four frames without giving up any more runs. McClain allowed nine hits with three strikeouts and no walks.
Nick Margevicius (W, 2-1) worked seven strong frames in his start for the Storm. The lefty struck out seven with no walks and allowed just one run when Bryson Brigman doubled home Anthony Jimenez in the third inning. Jimenez went 2-for-4 in the game and drove in a run.
J.T. Salter impressed in his California League debut. The 2018 draft pick retired the seventh and eighth innings in order with a pair of strikeouts.
The Nuts look to avoid a sweep in the finale of this three-game series on Friday night. First pitch of game three is set for 7:00 p.m. Coverage on ModestoNuts.com will start at 6:50 p.m. Listen live online on your phone, tablet or PC by clicking HERE.