Modesto Nuts take three of four from North Division leader Visalia

For the second time in as many weeks, the Modesto Nuts took three out of four games against California League North Division leader Visalia.

The Nuts defeated the Rawhide 3-2 on Tuesday night at Recreation Park, pulling within eight games of the front-runners.

Modesto (26-26) will play 14 of its final 18 games of the first half at John Thurman Field, while Visalia will play just seven home dates over the final 18.

Antonio Senzatela (4-3) pitched 5 2/3 solid innings for the Nuts, giving up just two hits and a walk while striking out nine. The only run off Senzatela came on a two-out single in the bottom of the sixth from Stewart Ijames. Devin Burke came on to finish off the sixth by getting Fidel Pena to ground out, stranding two runners.

The Nuts took a 1-0 lead in the first inning when Raimel Tapia led off the game with his sixth home run of the season. Modesto’s left-fielder has been swinging a hot stick lately, going 7-for-19 (.368) with a double, homer and five RBIs over the past five games.

Tapia also had an RBI single in the third that gave the Nuts a 2-0 cushion.

Modesto would add an important insurance run in the seventh on a sacrifice fly by Ashley Graeter.

Modesto will have an off day Wednesday before starting a seven-game home stand. The Stockton Ports come to town for a 7:05 p.m. game on 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 2, 2015 at 9:45 PM with the headline "Modesto Nuts take three of four from North Division leader Visalia."