Late Blast Sends Nuts to Fifth Straight Loss

Modesto, CA – Throughout the evening, the Modesto Nuts held the lead until Patrick Bailey ripped a go-ahead two-run homer in the eighth inning to send the Nuts to a 5-4 loss against the San Jose Giants on Saturday night at John Thurman Field.

Sam Carlson turned in a career performance working a career high seven innings while allowing just two runs and only one earned run. He had the help of three double plays rolled up by the Nuts’ (36-29) defense. Carlson struck out four and only walked one. He excited the game with a lead.

Juan Mercedes (L, 4-2) entered in the eighth inning. He hit a man before Luis Matos singled home a run. Patrick Bailey delivered the big blow with a two-run homer to put the Giants (42-23) on top.

Clay Helvey (S, 7) worked the final two innings for the Giants. He had to get out of a jam in the eighth when Kennie Taylor singled to start the inning as part of a three-hit day. Brett Rodriguez walked to put the tying and go-ahead runs on the bases. Helvey was able to get Victor Labrada to ground into a double play but the tying run was still in scoring position. Noelvi Marte would strike out to end that threat.

The Nuts will try to avoid a sweep on Sunday night in the six-game series finale with the San Jose Giants.