Nuts Shutout Giants, 7-0

SAN JOSE, CA - Modesto's Darren McCaughan and Reggie McClain combined on a four-hit shutout Sunday afternoon in a 7-0 Nuts victory over the San Jose Giants at Municipal Stadium. With the loss, San Jose has dropped two out of the first three games in the series. The Giants (58-81) conclude the 2018 season on Monday.
Jalen Miller (2-for-4) had a pair of singles while Johneshwy Fargas (0-for-2, 2 SB) stole his league-leading 46th and 47th bases of the season for San Jose in defeat.
McClain (6-11) earned the win for Modesto after tossing six scoreless innings to finish the game. McClain surrendered only three hits, walked one and struck out four during his long relief outing. McCaughan pitched the first three innings in his start yielding just one hit.
The Nuts jumped out early on Sunday scoring once in the top of the first against Giants starter Domenic Mazza. Beau Branton began the game with a single, advanced to second on a Luis Liberato sacrifice bunt and scored when Evan White singled to left.
San Jose threatened in the bottom of the first as Bryce Johnson led off with a single, stole second with one out and moved to third on an errant throw from catcher Nick Thurman. McCaughan though escaped with a strikeout of Heath Quinn before Gio Brusa grounded out to end the inning.
Modesto added to their lead with a single tally in the top of the third. White started the rally with a one-out double before taking third on a Nick Zammarelli groundout. Anthony Jimenez then reached on an infield single that scored White to make it 2-0.
The Nuts then took control of the game with a two-run fifth inning before a three-run top of the sixth. Two walks and a single loaded the bases in the top of the fifth for Modesto before Jimenez delivered a two-run single for a 4-0 advantage.
An inning later, Joe Rizzo and Thurman produced back-to-back singles to start the inning. Then with two down, Liberato launched a 1-2 pitch from Mazza over the fence in deep right for a three-run home run. The homer, Liberato's 11th of the season, pushed the lead to 7-0.
San Jose's only two hits over the final four innings were a Miller single in the bottom of the sixth and another Miller single in the ninth.
Mazza (3-6) surrendered seven runs (all earned) on 11 hits over six innings to take the loss. The left-hander walked two and struck out five.
Notes
* Modesto out-hit San Jose 13-4.
* The Giants were shutout for the ninth time this season.
* The #4 through #9 spots in the San Jose lineup were a combined 0-for-19.
* Fargas also leads the San Francisco minor league system in stolen bases.
* John Russell (2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 SO) and Sam Coonrod (1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 SO) combined to throw three scoreless innings of relief for the Giants.
* San Jose has lost nine out of their last 11 games overall.
On Deck
The Giants conclude the 2018 season on Monday afternoon with the finale of their four-game series against the Modesto Nuts. First pitch at Municipal Stadium is scheduled for 2:00 PM. Carlos Sano (4-5, 4.09 ERA) is slated to start on the mound for San Jose while Modesto is expected to counter with Austin Hutchison (3-3, 5.58 ERA). It's Fan Appreciation Day at the ballpark! All fans will receive an end-of-season giveaway and many lucky numbers will be called, so be sure to pick up a scorecard on your way through the gates. After the game, fans are invited to take the field for a game of catch in the Giants outfield. For tickets, call (408) 297-1435 or visit sjgiants.com.