McMahon homers twice as Modesto Nuts knock around Bakersfield 12-1 in series opener

Hitting hasn’t been a problem for the Modesto Nuts recently. Hitting with runners in scoring position has.

The Nuts continued to hit Wednesday night in the opener of a three-game series in Bakersfield, and they hit with men on base this time, too – notably Ryan McMahon. The third baseman hit two solo home runs and went 3 for 5 with three RBIs and three runs as the Nuts rolled to a 12-1 victory over the Blaze.

Modesto, which was 1 for 23 with runners in scoring position while being swept by San Jose in a three-game series, was 6 for 14 against the Blaze. The Nuts’ 3-9 hitters in the lineup had at least one hit each through the third inning, including four doubles and McMahon’s first bomb.

When Raimel Tapia and Michael Benjamin stroked back-to-back singles during a four-run sixth, every hitter in Modesto’s order had at least one knock.

The host Blaze also committed five errors in front of an announced crowd of 401 at Sam Lynn Ballpark. Six of Modesto’s runs were unearned.

Nuts starter Zach Jemiola (4-2) allowed one run and five hits in seven innings. He walked none and struck out five. Trent Daniel and Matt Carasiti each pitched one inning of scoreless relief to complete the combined six-hitter.

The series resumes Thursday at 7:45 p.m.

This story was originally published July 15, 2015 at 10:48 PM with the headline "McMahon homers twice as Modesto Nuts knock around Bakersfield 12-1 in series opener."