Senzatela solid in leading Nuts past Storm

A leadoff single led to a first-inning run for the Storm.

Once Nuts starter Antonio Senzatela calmed down, Modesto brought a storm of its own.

In a 5-3 victory for the Nuts on Saturday at John Thurman Field, Modesto tagged Lake Elsinore starter Rafael De Paula for five runs on 11 hits in a six-inning stretch spanning the second and seventh frames.

Of the 11 hits, four were for extra bases, including a sixth-inning home run by outfielder Dillon Thomas. He went 3 for 4, scored two and drove in two. Second baseman Michael Benjamin and outfielder Rosell Herrera each singled and doubled.

On “What Could Have Been” night, Modesto players donned Dusters uniforms, one of the names voted on for the franchise in 2004 after the Colorado Rockies began their affiliation with the city following a 30-year run with the A’s organization. Nuts was the choice with 52 percent of the vote, beating Dusters and Derailers.

Uniforms aside, Senzatela (6-5) threw eight innings, scattering six hits to go with one walk and four strikeouts. After allowing two hits and a run in the first inning, he silenced the Storm until the eighth. He allowed a leadoff home run to Miguel Del Castillo, then two singles and a walk helped Lake Elsinore tally its third and final run.

Sam Moll threw the ninth inning and struck out two to earn his second save.

The Nuts improve to 14-8 in the second half and 47-45 overall. The second contest in this four-game set is Sunday at 6:05 p.m. Right-hander Alex Balog takes the mound for Modesto against Lake Elsinore left-hander Brad Wieck.

This story was originally published July 18, 2015 at 10:23 PM with the headline "Senzatela solid in leading Nuts past Storm."