Stockton Surges Late in 7-4 Win over Modesto
Consider it "mission accomplished" as the Ports were fueled by a late offensive surge and received solid relief pitching down the stretch, en route to a 7-4 victory in Game 1 of a five-game series at John Thurman Field.
Ports starter Mike Madsen went four full innings in his third start of the season, as he gave up three earned runs on five hits while striking out five for the no-decision. The one glaring blemish to his ledger was a three-run homerun in the bottom half of the fourth inning from first baseman Duke Sardinha that gave Modesto an early 4-3 lead.
Stockton answered back at the plate in relentless pursuit, as they scored one run in five of the last six innings to storm ahead for good. The Ports offensive charge was led by left fielder Travis Buck who went 2-for-4 with a triple, two runs scored and an RBI to raise his average to an even .300 on the young season.
The victory went to Ports right-hander Jeff Coleman (2-0) as he went 2.2 innings in relief of Madsen and gave up just three hits while striking out two for his second win. Nuts prospect Franklin Morales (1-1) was charged with the loss as he went seven full innings and gave up five earned runs on eight hits while notching nine strikeouts. Finally it was Ports righty Mike Mitchell who pitched a scoreless ninth to notch his first save of the season for Stockton.
With the win the Ports snapped a two-game losing streak to improve to 10-11, as the Nuts fell to 10-10 and now hold just a half game lead over Stockton for the rights to second place in the California League North Division.
Both teams will embark on a double-header of two seven innings games on Saturday in Modesto. The Ports will send southpaw Ryan Ford (0-1, 4.85) to the hill for the first contest, as he squares off against Nuts righty Samuel Deduno (1-1, 3.38). First pitch is set for 5:05 p.m. PST.