Gagnon twirls gem in shutout win

MODESTO, CA (August 27th, 2013) -- The Nuts continued their home dominance in the final month of the season as they put together a strong 8-0 win over Inland Empire on Tuesday night at John Thurman Field.

Modesto has now won eight straight at home to improve to 11-2 at John Thurman during the month of August. The club has won 13 of the last 15 overall. Visalia was able to defeat the Giants in San Jose to extend Modesto's second-half lead in the North Division to three games with six to play.

Behind a terrific defensive effort, Nuts starter Tyler Gagnon (11-9, 5.49) was able to work his first shutout of the season, limiting the 66ers to only seven hits (six singles). He picked up his 12th win of the season, joining teammates Ben Alsup and Dan Winkler for the league-lead in victories.

With Taylor Featherston back at the top of the order, the Nuts put together a relentless offensive attack early in the game against 66ers starter Kramer Sneed, who allowed all eight runs in the first four innings.
Featherston led off the bottom of the first with a triple, and quickly scored on the next pitch as Matt Wessinger drove him in with a sac-fly to right. Modesto scored their next seven runs with two outs over the next three innings. In the second, Tyler Massey came through with a 2-out RBI single to extend Modesto's lead, and Featherston followed with another triple, this time plating two runs as he made it 4-0.

With two outs in the bases empty in the third, Brian Humphries was able to single to prolong the inning. Will Swanner and Harold Riggins then hit consecutive doubles to stake Modesto to a 6-0 advantage. With two down in the fourth, Trevor Story tripled to score a pair to cap the night with eight runs.

Sneed (7-3) was saddled with the loss after suffering his worst defeat of the year. He was charged for eight runs on 10 hits in five innings of work.

All nine batters in the order reached at least once, with eight picking up hits. Riggins led the way with a 3-for-4 effort, while Simon and Swanner joined Featheston with a two hits night.

Modesto will go for the series win over the 66ers as they return tomorrow night for game two of three. RHP Ben Alsup (12-8, 4.56) will get the start, opposite RHP Orangel Arenas (7-8, 5.17) for Inland Empire. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.

Tonight's win was also a win for the fans too. All Papa John's online orders on Wednesday beginning at 11:00 a.m. will be 30% off with the promo code 'nuts30' at papajohns.com.