Peete's Big Blast carries Nuts past 66ers

Modesto Nuts 11, Inland Empire 66ers 8

July 30, 2024 Inland Empire 66ers 12-19 (37-59) @ MODESTO NUTS 16-15 (57-38) 7:05 pm

In a thrilling matchup that showcased explosive offensive firepower, the Modetso Nuts defeated the Inland Empire 66ers by a final score of 11-8.

Key Moments

The 66ers struck first as SS Capri Ortiz doubled in the 2nd inning to bring C Dario Laverde home, giving the 66ers a 1-0 lead. In the top 3rd inning DH Alexander Ramirez scored from third base after Imanol Vargas was caught stealing second, extending the 66ers’ lead to 2-0.

Modesto got on the board in the bottom 5th inning when a wild pitch by Inland starter LHP Francis Texido allowed 2B Charlie Pagliarini to score. 3B Luis Suisbel’s single in the 5th inning pushed the Nuts ahead 4-3.

Inland Empire struck a big blow in the top of the 6th inning when 3B Caleb Bartolero’s triple cleared the bases, he also scored on an error on the same play, scoring four runs and regaining the lead for the 66ers at 7-4. 1B Imanol Vargas hit a solo home run in the top of the 7th, giving the 66ers an 8-5 lead.

Modesto starter Walter Ford went 5 innings in his Modesto debut striking out 6 batters while walking one. Ford gave up 7 hits and three earned runs.

In the bottom of the 7th the Nuts narrowed the gap with LF Ricardo Cova’s RBI double, but the at-bat came in the 8th. A huge 3-run homer from Tai Peete, who drove in Luis Suisbel and CF Carlos Jimenez, put the Nuts ahead 11-8.

RHP Gabriel Sosa came out of the bullpen to nail down the final three outs and pick up his 4th save of the season as the Nuts take the opener of the 6-game series with the 66ers.

Standout Performances

• Nuts: Tai Peete played a pivotal role with a 3-run homer in the 8th inning. 3B Luis Suisbel and CF Carlos Jimenez also contributed significantly, with Suisbel driving in a key run in the and Jimenez adding to the offensive surge. On the mound, Anyelo Ovando (W, 3-3, 4.50 ERA) delivered a strong performance, and Sosa (S, 4) secured the save.

• 66ers: 3B Caleb Bartolero and 1B Imanol Vargas were standout performers. Bartolero’s triple and Vargas’s home run were highlights. Despite the strong individual efforts, the 66ers couldn’t hold off the Nuts’ late-game rally.