Nuts host Stockton Ports to open second half

MODESTO -- The Modesto Nuts, whose 34-36 first-half record marked the team's first sub-.500 first half since 2008, open the second half of the California League season tonight when they host Stockton to open a four-game set at John Thurman Field. The games are 7:05 p.m. starts except for Sunday's 6:05 p.m. first pitch, and fireworks will follow the action on Friday and Saturday as the Nuts celebrate Graffiti Weekend. Modesto pitchers Christian Bergman and Tyler Matzek participated in Tuesday's California-Carolina League All-Star game in Winston-Salem, N.C. Carolina won 9-1. Bergman pitched a scoreless second inning, giving up just one hit. Matzek gave up a two-run homer in the fifth. Nuts' outfielder Corey Dickerson was named to the California team, but did not play.