Squandered Chances Leads to Ninth Straight Loss

Modesto, CA. - Missed opportunities highlighted the Nuts' 4-2 loss against the JetHawks on Monday night at John Thurman Field.

After the Nuts (10-34; 33-81) tied the game in the second on Dean Espy's two-run homer, the Nuts went 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position and left six runners on base in the Nuts season-high-tying ninth straight loss. 

In the fourth, Dave Bergin ripped a double off the centerfield wall before Derek Jones walked. Matt Wessinger followed and clubbed a potential three-run home run down the left field line. The fly ball was controversially ruled foul. Wessinger ended up walking to load the bases loaded.

JetHawks starter Brian Holmes (W, 4-1) went on to strike out the side to keep the game tied in the fourth. In the fifth, Holmes again struck out three consecutive batters to leave two runners in scoring position.

Evan Grills (S, 2) tossed four scoreless innings out of the bullpen for the JetHawks and allowed just one hit while striking out two.

Ben Alsup (L, 2-12) started for the Nuts and worked 5.1 innings while surrendering nine hits and four runs.

In the second game of a three-game series against the JetHawks, the Nuts will have right Matt Flemer on the mound. Righty Kyle Westwood will toss for the JetHawks. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Coverage on ModestoNuts.com will start at 7:00 p.m. To listen on your iPhone or iPad listen live here. For PC and Flash enabled Android phones listen live here.