Massey's big night propels Nuts to victory

MODESTO, CA (July 21st, 2013) -- Nuts outfielder Tyler Massey celebrated his 24th birthday in style, going 4-for-4 including a go-ahead 3-run homer in the sixth that sent Modesto to a 6-4 win over the Quakes on Sunday night at John Thurman Field.

With the game tied 3-3 heading into the top of the sixth, Rancho Cucamonga took their first lead of the night on a squeeze bunt by Scott Wingo that scored Pedro Guerrero to make it 4-3.  

The Nuts quickly countered in the bottom of the inning, as Trevor Story drew a lead off walk and Drew Beuerlein singled against Quakes starter Lindsey Caughel. After a failed bunt attempt made the first out, the Quakes called upon Freddie Cabrera to face Massey. Having already singled in his first three at-bats, Massey worked a full count before belted a 3-run shot deep over the right field fence to give Modesto back the lead.

Geoff Parker (4-4), who was charged for an unearned run in the top of the sixth, worked a scoreless seventh to move in line for the win. Caughel (3-6), who was charged for five earned runs, took the loss.

Modesto jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the first against Caughel as Taylor Featherston, Jared Simon, and Brian Humphries collected RBI singles. Rancho Cucamonga erased the Nuts advantage in the third against Ben Alsup, hitting a pair of home runs to make it 3-3. Casio Grider hit a 2-run homer and Bobby Coyle hit a solo shot to even the score.

Alsup went five innings, allowing three earned runs on six hits, while walking five and striking out five.

Nelson Gonzalez worked a scoreless eighth, and Scott Oberg tossed a perfect ninth to rack up his league-leading 21st save of the season.

The two clubs will wrap up a three-game series on Monday night at John Thurman Field. RHP Eddie Butler (3-3, 2.81) will make the start, opposite RHP Jharel Cotton (0-0, -,--) who will be making his Quakes debut. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.