Modesto comes from behind to beat Visalia 8-6

The Modesto Nuts (6-14/40-49) rallied for three runs in the top of the tenth inning to beat the Visalia Oaks (11-8/44-45) 8-6 Wednesday night. The Nuts tenth began with a double to left center by leadoff hitter Corey Wimberly off Oaks reliever Brett Wayne. He was sacrificed to third by Chris Frey and then pinch hitter Michael Davies roped an RBI double down the right field line to give Modesto the lead at 6-5. After Matt Miller walked to put runners on first and second, first baseman Kyle Wilson doubled into right center field to give the Nuts a pair of vital insurance runs making the score 8-5.

Wilson finished the night 2-5 with two doubles, 2 RBI and a run scored.

Visalia threatened in the bottom of the tenth as Chris Nowak walked, John Jaso singled and Josh Arhart walked to load the bases, putting the tying runs aboard. Mark Schleicher came in to pinch run for Jaso and then Patrick Breen grounded into a fielder's choice with Schleicher forced out at second. Nowak came in to score on Breen's groundout bring Visalia within two. Second baseman Pat Cottrell struck out for out number two in the tenth. The game ended when Fernando Perez grounded a ball to second and appeared to beat it out but was called out for the final out of the game.

The Nuts took an early lead with a run in the top of the first inning when Matt Miller doubled off the wall in left to drive in Wimberly making the score 1-0.

Visalia rallied for four runs in the bottom of the second inning to take a 4-1 lead. Chris Nowak homered to left to tie the game 1-1. With two outs and Josh Arhart on first, Pat Cottrell smashed a double down the left field line to bring home Arhart and give the Oaks their first lead of the game. Perez and Reid Brignac each drove in runs to give the Oaks a 4-1 lead.

Nowak went 3-4 with a homerun, double, 1 RBI and 2 runs scored.

The teams traded runs in the fifth and after five the Oaks held a 5-2 lead.

Oaks starter Brandon Mann pitched well, over six innings allowing just 2 runs and striking out 7. Modesto rallied for three runs in the top of the seventh inning to tie the game. Jose Valdez, Jonathan Herrera and Wimberly each drove home a run off rehabbing big leaguer Ruddy Lugo to make the score 5-5 and force extra innings. The Oaks and Nuts conclude their four game series on Thursday at 6:35 PM. The game will conclude Visalia's seven game home stand with Thirsty Thursday. All soda and draft beer is just $1.