beek's blog

Inland Empire 2, Modesto 1. Game 125 of 140.

GAME IN A GRAF – The slumping Nuts managed only six hits and squandered a strong pitching performance from Esmil Rogers as they lost for the ninth time in their last 11 home games. Daniel Mayora doubled and scored on Victor Ferrante’s bloop single in the first inning, but Modesto would get only four runners as far as second base the rest of the way. Rogers, who hasn’t won at home since June 6, allowed a run on six hits over six innings. The 66ers scored the winning run in the eighth on a two-out double by Drew Locke off Jonathan George.

Rancho Cucamonga 4, Modesto 3. Game 121 of 140.

GAME IN A GRAF – The Quakes had baserunners in only three innings, but turned a three-run sixth off Aneury Rodriguez and a single-run eighth off Will Harris into the victory that capped a three-game sweep. Mike Paulk had three of Modesto’s 10 hits to continue his charge toward .300, but the Nuts continue to be victimized by the big inning. Modesto pitchers have allowed single-inning uprisings of three or more runs in seven straight games. The Nuts, in control of the North Division less than a month ago, have lost 11 of their last 16 overall and eight of their last 10 home games.

Rancho Cucamonga 7, Modesto 6. Game 120 of 140

GAME IN A GRAF – David Patton allowed a game-tying single and a two-run homer, both with two outs and two strikes, as the Quakes rallied for three runs in the top of the ninth to steal the win. Modesto rallied with a run in the bottom of the ninth on Victor Ferrante’s two-out single, and Ferrante easily scored what appeared to be the tying run when Michael McKenry lined a double into the left field corner, but the ball was ruled a double when it rolled into the visiting bullpen. Esmil Rogers gave up four runs in five innings, but the Nuts erased that 4-0 deficit with one run in the fifth and three more in the sixth. The Nuts took a 5-4 lead in the seventh on the second of Ferrante’s three hits. Chris Malone threw three scoreless innings and was in line for the win before the Quakes’ rally.