Modesto Nuts’ win gives them series split with Visalia

One night after hitting a grand slam, Correlle Prime’s two-run triple was the difference in the Modesto Nuts’ 6-4 California League victory over the Visalia Rawhide.

Prime’s grand slam Saturday night was the big blow in a five-run eighth inning that sent the Nuts over Visalia. On Sunday night, Prime came through in the eighth inning again.

Rosell Herrera and Ryan McMahon hit back-to-back singles, but Dillon Thomas and Ashley Graeter struck out. Prime roped a triple to right to give the lead back to the Nuts after the Rawhide tied the score in the top half.

Closer Matt Carasiti entered and retired Visalia on three groundouts to earn his 16th save in 18 opportunities in front of an announced crowd of 1,182 at John Thurman Field.

Starter Kyle Freeland, in his Modesto debut after being promoted from Grand Junction of the Pioneer League, allowed seven of Visalia’s 13 hits but walked none and allowed one run in his four-inning stint with three strikeouts. Johendi Jiminian (4-8) allowed three runs and six hits in four innings and struck out five.

Modesto pitching didn’t allow a walk. Nor did Visalia pitching, but the Nuts belted 11 hits, including four extra-base hits.

McMahon, Modesto’s hot-hitting third baseman, went 4 for 4, including his league-leading 34th double, and scored two runs. Leadoff hitter Raimel Tapia went 2 for 4, scored two runs, ripped his 26th double and stole his 22nd base. Herrera also went 2 for 4. Modesto’s five RBIs came with two outs.

The Nuts split the four-game series with Visalia and begin a three-game home set against San Jose on Monday at 7:05 p.m. Modesto leads San Jose by two games in the North Division in the second half.

This story was originally published August 2, 2015 at 10:32 PM with the headline "Modesto Nuts’ win gives them series split with Visalia."