Modesto Nuts’ problems with Stockton Ports continue

The Modesto Nuts can blame the Stockton Ports for many of their problems during the first month of the California League season.

The Nuts managed only three hits and didn’t advance a runner to third base Friday night during a 7-0 loss at Stockton Ballpark. Modesto (11-17), 3-8 vs. Stockton, trails first-place Visalia by 10 games in the North Division.

Starter Sam Howard (1-1) allowed six runs (four earned) and walked six in three innings. The Ports (12-16), led by B.J. Boyd’s two-run double and Joe Bennie’s three RBIs, coasted to the win to open a three-game series.

Stockton’s Heath Fillmyer (3-1) struck out five in six innings and yielded only a single in the first to Wes Rogers and a single in the sixth to Omar Carrizales. Troy Stein doubled in the eighth off Lou Trivino.

The teams met in Stockton on Saturday night, then close the series Sunday at 1:05 p.m. at Thurman Field.

This story was originally published May 7, 2016 at 2:47 AM with the headline "Modesto Nuts’ problems with Stockton Ports continue."