Modesto Nuts blanked by Rancho Cucamonga’s John Richie

The good news for the Modesto Nuts was that they didn’t lose any ground Thursday night in the race for the California League’s North Division first-half title.

The bad news? They didn’t gain any ground, either.

The Nuts were held to just four hits in a 7-0 loss to South leader Rancho Cucamonga, but caught a break when last-place Bakersfield rose up and beat North leader Visalia 4-1 at Recreation Park.

Modesto, which looks to avoid a three-game sweep at the hands of the Quakes on Friday at 7:05 p.m., sits nine games back of the Quakes. After leaving Rancho Cucamonga, the Nuts will travel to Visalia for their second four-game set with the division leaders in a week’s time. Modesto desperately needs to make hay during the four-game set – it took three of four last weekend – and get ready for a run that includes 14 home dates over its last 18 games heading into the All-Star break. The only games on the road during that stretch are four games at Sam Lynn Ballpark against Bakersfield.

On Thursday, the Quakes’ John Richie went the distance, yielding four hits and no walks while striking out five.

Modesto second baseman Wilson Soriano had two of the team’s four hits.

This story was originally published May 29, 2015 at 8:45 AM with the headline "Modesto Nuts blanked by Rancho Cucamonga’s John Richie."