By: Luke Foth

Modesto, CA – Inland Empire starting pitcher Javy Guerra wasted no time on the mound and was keeping a Modesto team that had scored 16 runs in the previous two games, off balance as the 66ers (23-21) beat the Nuts (23-21) by a 4-2 final.

Guerra (2-2) worked six strong innings allowing one run on only four hits and struck out six Nuts. The Texas native only surrendered three hits over the first five innings and five of his six punch-outs were swinging.

Inland Empire scored two runs in the second innings thanks to an RBI double by Jamie Hoffmann. In the third frame, Blake DeWitt started things off with a singled and scored when Tony Harper had a base hit with one away making the score 3-0. The Nuts would get one in the sixth and another in the eighth on a Jeff Kindel solo shot. The 66ers would create some breathing room when Travis Denker reached on an error in the ninth. Adam Godwin knocked him in with an opposite field single and made the count 4-2 Inland Empire.

Kyle Wilson picked up his first save of the season as he struck out two in the ninth to preserver the win. Brandon Durden (2-3) took the loss for Modesto going eight frames allowing nine hits and three runs.

Monday is an off day for the California League. On Tuesday the 66ers will travel to Lancaster to open a five game set with the JetHawks. The first game will start at 6:30 p.m., and will be broadcasted locally on KVCR 91.9 FM starting at 7:00 p.m. The next home game for the 66ers will be on Sunday against Rancho Cucamonga. For tickets call (909) 888-9922.