Two Big Innings Send Nuts to 11-3 Loss

Bakersfield, CA. - After a strong start, the Modesto Nuts' bullpen was roughed up in an 11-3 loss against the Bakersfield Blaze on Sunday afternoon at Sam Lynn Ballpark.

Alex Balog tossed five scoreless innings for the Nuts (30-33) in his first California League start. The Nuts got two unearned runs in the first against Blaze (24-39) starter Eddie Campbell (W, 3-2).

In the sixth, things unraveled for the Nuts. Matt Pierpont (L, 3-2) could not record an out and allowed six runs. The Nuts had to use three pitchers in the inning as the Blaze sent 12 to the plate. In the seventh, the Blaze added another four runs while sending eight to the dish.

Jay Baum went 3-for-5 with a two-run single in the sixth. Justin Seager drove in a pair while going 2-for-4. All nine starters for the Blaze either drove in or scored a run.

Nick Valenza (S, 2/3) tossed the final three innings and allowed just one run in the ninth for the Blaze.

The Nuts split the four-game set with the Blaze and will head home to begin a three-game series with the Giants on Monday night. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Coverage on ModestoNuts.com will start at 7:00 p.m. To listen on your iPhone or iPad click here. For PC and Flash enabled Android phones click here.