Incredible rally lifts Modesto to victory

MODESTO, CA (August 28th, 2013) -- The Nuts were able to erase a pair of deficits to earn a hard-fought 11-6 win over the 66ers on Wednesday night at John Thurman Field.

With the win, Modesto (40-25, 72-63) moved one step closer to a playoff berth as they extended their lead in the division to four over San Jose. The Nuts will have a chance to clinch a playoff spot if they can sweep the 66ers tomorrow night, along with a San Jose or Stockton defeat.

Trailing 6-4 in the seventh inning, Taylor Featherston belted a game-tying 2-run homer against Eric Cendejas. That opened the flood gates for Modesto, with the Nuts adding five more runs in the inning. In total, the7 sent 11 to the plate while scoring seven runs on seven hits and a walk. Brian Humphries started the inning with a single, and finished the scoring with a 2-out 2-run double.

Modesto trailed 3-0 until Jordan Ribera singled with two outs in the fourth, and Will Swanner followed with a 2-run shot against Orangel Arenas. Matt Wessinger led off the fifth with a double, and after a walk by Featherston, Tyler Massey came through with a 2-run triple to give the Nuts their first lead of the night.

The 66ers quickly countered with a pair of runs in the sixth to go back on top 5-4. Nuts starter Ben Alsup exited the game after allowing a walk and a single, giving way to Kraig Sitton. With a favorable lefty on lefty matchup for the Nuts, Anthony Bemboom singled through the right side of the infield, and a throwing error made it a two run play.

Sitton also gave up a run in the seventh as Michael Snyder tallied one of his three doubles on the night to make it 6-4.  

After the big seventh inning rally, Sitton (6-5) became the winning pitcher of record. Cendejas (6-3), who was charged for for runs in the seventh, took the loss. Bruce Kern and Nelson Gonzalez each worked scoreless innings to finish off the game.

Modesto had five different players with at least two hits and two RBI. Massey led the way with a 3-for-5 effort. Both Featherston's and Swanner's home runs were their 12th of the season.

Since taking over the leadoff spot on August 11th in Stockton (16 games), Featherston has gone 26-58 (.448) with 12 extra-base hits, 12 RBI, and 20 runs scored.

The Nuts have now won nine straight games at John Thurman Field, where they've posted an August record of 12-2. Modesto has won 14 of their last 16 overall, matching their win total from 2012 (72-68).

With a chance for a sweep tomorrow night, the Nuts will send LHP Tyler Anderson (3-2, 3.41) to the mound. The 66ers will counter with RHP Alex Keudell (5-1, 5.70). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.

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