Modesto Takes Series From Storm 7-6 in Walk-Off Fashion

MODESTO, CA -- Modesto took three of four from Lake Elsinore in walk-off fashion 7-6 on Sunday afternoon. Joey Curletta just beat out a double play attempt from Lake Elsinore that would've sent the game to extras to allow Modesto (19-12) to build a two-game lead in the North. 
Modesto got to Lake Elsinore (14-17) starter Chris Huffman in the second inning. The first three runners of the inning reached base with Joey Curletta scoring on a Chris Baker throwing error. Arturo Nieto knocked in Gianfranco Wawoe on a single to increase the lead to 2-0. Back -to-back singles from Braden Bishop and Chris Marshal built the lead to 4-0. Eric Filia hit a triple to right field that plated two more to make it 6-0.
The Storm got onto the board in the third inning against Nuts starter Nick Neidert. With two out, Austin Allen lined a single that scored two to get Lake Elsinore within 6-2.
After adding another run in the sixth to pull within 6-3, the Storm tied the game in the seventh with three runs. After a pair of runs to start the inning with one out and runners at the corners, Ruddy Giron struck out with the runner at first Javier Guerra going. Guerra got into a rundown that allowed Ty France to score after a collision at home plate to tie the game 6-6.
Neither starter got a decision. Neidert struck out seven in five innings. Huffman gave up six runs with just two earned.
In the ninth inning with one out and no on, Mariscal singled. He advanced to third on a single by Falia down the right field line. The Storm decided to play corners in with the middle infielders at double play depth with Curletta up. Curletta hit a ball to short and the Storm attempted a 6-4-3 double play by Curletta just beat the throw to first allowing Masical to score and the Nuts to win 7-6. It was the Nuts second walk-off win of the series.
After an off day tomorrow, the Nuts start a seven game road trip in Lancaster on Tuesday at 6:35 p.m.