Modesto Nuts win second straight against North leader Visalia

The Modesto Nuts scored three runs in the first inning and went on to defeat first-place Visalia 5-2 Monday night in a California League matchup at Recreation Park.

The Nuts (25-26) are within nine games of the North Division-leading Rawhide (34-17) and will conclude their four-game series Tuesday at 6 p.m.

A win in the series finale would move Modesto to within eight games of the leader and set the stage for the final 18 games of the first half, 14 of which will be played at John Thurman Field. Visalia plays seven of its final 18 at home. Tuesday’s game will be the last head-to-head matchup between the clubs in the first half.

Raimel Tapia struck out to open the game but reached first on a third-strike wild pitch and made it to second on a throwing error by catcher Michael Perez. After Jordan Peterson was called out on strikes, Tapia reached third on Ryan McMahon’s single to left and scored on a single to center by Correlle Prime. McMahon eventually scored on error and Prime scored when Wilfredo Rodriguez was caught in a rundown between first and second.

Visalia cut the lead to 3-1 in the second on Kevin Cron’s 10th homer of the season, but the Nuts came back with two in the fifth to take control.

Wilson Soriano opened the frame with a double and scored on a sacrifice fly by Tapia to make it 4-1, and Peterson singled and scored on a bases-loaded walk to Rosell Herrera.

Grahamm Wiest picked up the win for the Nuts, allowing two hits and a walk in five innings while striking out eight.

The Nuts will have Wednesday off before opening a seven-game homestand. The Stockton Ports come to town for a 7:05 p.m. game Thursdays at Thurman, when fans can enjoy $2 tacos, courtesy of La Perla Tapatia, and $2 Jack Tone wine by McManis Family Vineyards from 6 to 8 p.m.

This story was originally published June 1, 2015 at 10:05 PM with the headline "Modesto Nuts win second straight against North leader Visalia."