Modesto Nuts extend win streak to 8 with sweep at Stockton

The Modesto Nuts ran their winning streak to eight with a 3-2 California League victory over the Stockton Ports on Wednesday night at Banner Island Ballpark.

After sweeping North Division first-half champion Visalia in a four-game series on the road, the Nuts swept three from the Ports. Modesto begins a seven-game homestand Thursday night against Visalia. The Nuts play host to the Rawhide in another four-game set, then host San Jose next Monday through Wednesday.

The Nuts took a 3-2 lead on Michael Benjamin’s two-run homer to left-center field in the top of the eighth inning. Raimel Tapia scored in front of Benjamin after stroking a single to left. Tapia stole his 20th base of the season before Benjamin’s eighth bomb.

Modesto’s bullpen took over from there. Devin Burke (2-1) allowed one hit in 21/3 scoreless innings in relief of Antonio Senzatela, and Matt Carasiti pitched another 1-2-3 ninth for his 14th save in 16 opportunities. He struck out two. Senzatela allowed two runs and six hits, including Matt Chapman’s 22nd homer of the season, in 52/3 innings. Senzatela walked one and struck out six.

Trailing 1-0, the Nuts manufactured their first run in the top of the fourth, starting with a leadoff walk to Dillon Thomas. With one out, Thomas stole his 17th base, then moved to third on Rosell Herrera’s groundout to first. Thomas scored on a line-drive single by Wilfredo Rodriguez.

This story was originally published July 29, 2015 at 10:33 PM with the headline "Modesto Nuts extend win streak to 8 with sweep at Stockton."