After three weeks of play the Modesto Nuts have the best record in the Low-A West at 13-5. The Nuts went 4-2 last week at Inland Empire and hold a 2-game lead over the Fresno Grizzlies (11-7) in the North division. This week they’ll be hosting the Visalia Rawhide.
Modesto is at or near the top of the league in many offensive categories: AVG .263 (1st), OBP .351 (2nd), OPS .762 (2nd) Runs Scored 106 (2nd), Hits 165 (1st).
SS Noelvi Marte has been leading the charge, batting .347/.427/.569 with 4 HR and 17 runs scored. OF Cade Marlowe is slashing .317/.434/.633 with 4 HR and 14 walks. Both are tied for second in HRs and Marte leads the league with 25 base hits. Marlowe’s 14 BBs are third in the league.
The pitching staff has thrown two shutouts and has only allowed eight homers, both league bests. Opponents’ batting average is .222 (3rd), team ERA 3.06 (2nd) and they have struck out a league-best 243 batters.
RHP Taylor Dollard is tied for the league lead in strikeouts with 29 over 13 2/3 IP. RHP Adam Macko is right behind him with 27 Ks over 13 1/3 IP. RHP Connor Phillips has gone 2-1 with 9 hits allowed over 13 1/3 IP along with 22 Ks.
Coming in from the Modesto bullpen, RHP Luis Curvelo has gone 2-0 in five relief appearances with 4 hits allowed over 9 2/3 IP, walking 1 and striking out 15. RHP Leon Hunter is also 2-0 and has allowed five hits over 9IP with 4 BBs and 14 Ks. Neither has allowed an earned run.
The Nuts return home tonight after two weeks on the road where they went 9-3 at Rancho Cucamonga and Inland Empire. They will face the Visalia Rawhide who have a record of 4-14, but are coming off a split at home with Stockton and have won three of their last five.
Elsewhere this week:
LAKE ELSINORE at SAN JOSE
STOCKTON at RANCHO CUCAMONGA
FRESNO at INLAND EMPIRE
