Modesto Nuts play 11th-season home opener

Celebrating the 11th season of Nuts baseball and the 69th season of California League play, the Modesto team had its home opener Thursday night, with the Inland Empire 66ers visiting John Thurman Field.

The event had all the trappings of a new year, with red, white and blue bunting draped over the grandstands, the pregame presentation of the flag handled by a full color guard, the baseline introductions of both full rosters and that staple of minor-league baseball, fireworks.

It was the first of 70 home games for the Nuts, who lost 8-4 to the 66ers, in town for four games through Sunday.

For insider coverage of the Nuts, read Brian VanderBeek’s blog at www.modbee.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs.

This story was originally published April 16, 2015 at 8:16 PM with the headline "Modesto Nuts play 11th-season home opener."