French stays sharp in Nuts win over High Desert

The Modesto Nuts have not exactly lit up the California League so far, but they boast one pitcher who’s been a shot in the arm.

His name is Parker French, and he’s given the Nuts a chance to celebrate.

French contained High Desert through seven solid innings Thursday night, and Modesto (13-20) snapped a three-game losing streak in a 6-4 victory at Thurman Field.

French (2-0), 23, allowed only one earned run and four hits and struck out five. Since he reported to Modesto from Low-A Asheville last month, he’s given up only two earned runs in three impressive starts.

Counting his time at Asheville, French--a former star for the Texas Longhorns--has compiled an ERA of 1.06.

The Modesto offense responded with three big run-scoring hits, all with two out, against a High Desert (22-12) team vying for a three-game sweep.

An infield error extended the first inning, and Shane Hoelscher slugged a two-run homer off David Ledbetter (1-3).

In the fourth after the Mavericks drew even 2-2, Emerson Jimenez tripled to right to drive in Max White and Troy Stein.

An inning later, Collin Ferguson stroked his fifth homer of the season, a two-run shot to right.

Reliever Troy Neiman was touched for a two-run homer by Jose Cardona to close the High Desert deficit 6-4 in the eighth. Closer Jerry Vasto restored order by retiring the Mavericks in order in the ninth.

Modesto begins a four-game series Friday night against San Jose. After the first two games at Municipal Stadium, the teams switch venues to Thurman for games Sunday afternoon and Monday night.

This story was originally published May 12, 2016 at 11:43 PM with the headline "French stays sharp in Nuts win over High Desert."