Ports strike late to beat Modesto, 4-2

MODESTO, CA (May 7th, 2013) -- Stockton infielder Antonio Lamas delivered a go-ahead two-run triple with two outs in the eighth inning, as the Ports came from behind and defeated Modesto 4-2 on Tuesday night at John Thurman Field.

The loss snapped a season-high four-game winning streak for the Nuts (13-19), while also dropping their record to 1-4 against the Ports (18-14) this season.

Modesto held a 2-1 lead into the eighth inning, with reliever Geoff Parker recording two quick outs before running into trouble. A bloop single by Bobby Crocker prolonged the inning, and Addison Russell drew a walk to set the stage for Lamas. Modesto brought on Leuris Gomez from the bullpen to try and escape the inning, but Lamas lined one down the left-field line to give the Ports the lead.

Parker (2-2), who was charged for both runs in the inning, took the loss. Ports reliever Jose Macias (0-1) worked a scoreless inning and a third to pick up the win.

The Nuts had a chance to even the score or retake the lead in the bottom of the eighth inning, opening the frame with consecutive singles against reliever Jon Joseph, but came up empty. Trevor Story dropped down a perfect bunt, with a wild throw to first potentially giving the chance for a bases loaded situation, but Harold Riggins got stuck between second and third on the play and was thrown out. Modesto still had a chance to capitalize against Joseph, with runners at the corners and only one out, but the righty struck out consecutive batters to get the Ports out of trouble.

Stockton outfielder Dusty Robinson belted a two-out solo homer in the ninth to give the Ports some breathing room, and Joseph worked a scoreless bottom of the ninth to finish a two-inning save.

The late Ports rally spoiled an opportunity for Chris Jensen to get a win after his best start of the year. Jensen limited Stockton to three scattered hits and only one run across seven strong innings.

Stockton got their only run against Jensen in the fifth when Crocker tripled with two outs to score Myrio Richard. The Nuts responded with a run in the bottom of the inning on an RBI single by Brian Humphries to tie the game at one.

Modesto then took the 2-1 lead in the sixth on a two-out RBI single from Will Swanner.

The Nuts will try to even the series against the Ports as they return for an afternoon game on Wednesday at John Thurman Field. First pitch is set for 3:30 p.m. RHP Ben Alsup (2-2, 4.03) will start for the Nuts, opposite RHP Deyvi Jimenez (0-0, 4.15) for the Ports.