Ferguson singles for walkoff Nuts win over Visalia

The Modesto Nuts’ first win over Visalia didn’t figure to be easy. It wasn’t.

Collin Ferguson’s line drive single to center in the bottom of the ninth was the difference in the Nuts 5-4 win Thursday night at Thurman Field. Visalia (25-15), the California League North Division leader, won the teams’ first five meetings and threatened to sweep this week’s three-game series.

The Rawhide rallied in the ninth for a 4-4 tie, thanks to the first three earned runs this season off Modesto closer Jerry Vasto. Colin Bray’s two-run double closed the gap. When Bray attempted to steal third, the throw from catcher Troy Stein skipped into left, resulting in the tying run.

Omar Carrizales opened the Modesto ninth with a single and advanced when Luis Jean was hit by a pitch. After Wes Rogers’ sacrifice, Ferguson delivered his game-winner.

Modesto’s Carlos Polanco recorded his best start of the season by striking out nine in seven innings. Emerson Jimenez had two hits, stole two bases, scored a run and drove in a run. Stein went 3-for-4 to accent the Nuts’ 13-hit attack. The Nuts’ offense improved after they managed only a single run during the first two games of the series.

The Nuts (17-23) travel to Inland Empire to open a four-game series Friday night. Listen to Keaton Gillogly’s call on modestonuts.com at 7 p.m.

This story was originally published May 20, 2016 at 12:06 AM with the headline "Ferguson singles for walkoff Nuts win over Visalia."